Patna: In a move aimed at easing travel during the peak summer season, Indian Railways has announced the operation of special trains connecting Patna and Kolkata.
The additional services, scheduled to run between April and June, are expected to help manage the surge in passenger demand during summer vacations.
Among the newly announced services, two trains will operate between Lalkuan and Kolkata, while another will run between Dibrugarh and Kolkata. Railway officials said an existing special service between Patna and Howrah will also continue during this period.
Train number 05060 Lalkuan–Kolkata Special will run every Thursday from April 2 to June 25, 2026, covering 13 trips. It will depart from Lalkuan at 1:35pm and reach Kolkata at 11:55pm the following day.
On the return journey, train number 05059 Kolkata–Lalkuan Special will depart every Saturday at 5am, arriving at Lalkuan at 3:45pm the next day. The train will halt at key stations including Naihati, Bandel, Bardhaman, Durgapur, Asansol, Chittaranjan, Madhupur and Jasidih.
Additionally, train number 05932 Dibrugarh–Kolkata Special will run every Saturday from April 4 to May 30, 2026, completing nine trips. It will depart Dibrugarh at 5pm and reach Kolkata at 12:30am on the third day.
Its return service, train number 05931 Kolkata–Dibrugarh Special, will operate every Monday, leaving Kolkata at 2:30pm and arriving in Dibrugarh at 6:30am.
This train will stop at stations including Naihati, Bandel, Nawadwip Dham, Katwa, Azimganj, Jangipur Road, New Farakka and Malda Town.
Railway authorities said both services will offer a range of travel options, including sleeper, air-conditioned and general coaches.
Meanwhile, train numbers 02024 and 02023 Patna–Howrah Special will continue to operate, providing additional connectivity for passengers travelling between Bihar and West Bengal during the holiday season.
