Patna: The South Eastern Railway has announced the operation of two special trains from Ara and Buxar to ease passenger traffic during the upcoming Dussehra and Diwali season.
The decision comes amid expectations of heavy rush on regular services during the festivals. Two trains – the Ranchi–Ara Puja Special (08639/40) and the Tatanagar–Buxar Special (08183/84) – will run for limited periods between late September and the end of October.
The Ranchi–Ara Special will begin operations on September 28 and run until November 2, completing six round trips. Departing Ranchi every Sunday at 20:45, it will stop at Bokaro, Gomoh, Gaya, Sasaram, Vikramganj and Piro before reaching Ara at 09:15 the following day. The return service will leave Ara every Monday at 10:00, reaching Ranchi the same night.
The Tatanagar–Buxar Special will operate between October 17 and 31 making three round trips. It will leave Tatanagar every Friday at 22:40, halting at Asansol, Patna and Ara before arriving at Buxar at 15:00 the next day. The return service will depart Buxar every Saturday evening and reach Tatanagar the following morning.
Indian Railways said the additional services were aimed at reducing overcrowding on regular trains and ensuring smoother travel during the peak festive period.
