Patna: Railways has announced a Puja Special train between Howrah and Khatipura to handle the expected surge in passenger demand during Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath.
The special service is expected to provide additional travel options for passengers travelling between West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar, particularly during the peak festive period when regular trains often see heavy demand and long waiting lists.
Train 03007 Howrah-Khatipura Special
Train 03007 Howrah-Khatipura Special will operate from October 11 to November 29, with services scheduled every Sunday.
The train will depart from Howrah at 11:55 pm and reach Khatipura at 11:30 am on the third day of the journey.
The service will make a total of eight trips during the operating period.
Train 03008 Khatipura-Howrah Special
The return service, train 03008 Khatipura-Howrah Special, will operate from October 13 to December 1, departing every Tuesday.
The train will leave Khatipura at 6:30 pm and reach Howrah at 5:15 am on the third day.
The return service will also make eight trips.
Key Stops in Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal
The special train will stop at several important stations along the route.
Major stations include Durgapur, Asansol, Chittaranjan, Madhupur, Jasidih, Jhajha, Kiul, Sheikhpura, Nawada and Gaya.
The stoppages will provide additional connectivity for passengers from different parts of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal during the festive season.
General, Sleeper and AC Coaches Available
The train will have different categories of coaches to accommodate passengers with varying travel requirements.
The service will include General Second Class, Sleeper Class and Air-Conditioned coaches.
The additional service is expected to benefit migrant workers, families travelling home for the festivals and devotees undertaking long-distance journeys during the festive period.
Eight Trips to Ease Festive Rush
With passenger demand expected to rise during Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath, the special train will provide an additional option for travellers who may otherwise face limited availability on regular services.
Passengers planning to use the service are advised to check the latest timetable, stoppages and ticket availability before travelling, as railway operations may be subject to changes.
