Patna: Amid a surge in passenger numbers during the summer travel season, the East Central Railway has announced a series of special train services from key stations including Saharsa, Raxaul and Gomoh. The move is intended to ease congestion across the network, but travellers continue to face significant hardship due to persistent delays and inadequate facilities, particularly at Patna Junction.
According to railway officials, the 05502/05501 Saharsa–Kumedpur–Saharsa special will operate every Monday and Thursday until Thursday. The train departs Saharsa at 7.30 am and reaches Kumedpur at 1.45 pm, stopping at stations including Simri Bakhtiyarpur, Mansi, Naugachia and Katihar. The return service leaves Kumedpur at 3 pm, arriving Saharsa at 10.15 pm.
Another service, the 05504/05503 Raxaul–Howrah–Raxaul special, will run on Wednesday and coming Sunday from Raxaul at 4 pm, reaching Howrah the following day at 8.15 am. The return journey is scheduled for Thursday and coming Monday, departing Howrah at 11.30 am and arriving Raxaul at 4.30 am the next day. Key halts include Bairgania, Sitamarhi, Janakpur Road, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Barauni, Kiul, Jamui and Jhajha.
In addition, the 03302/03301 Gomoh–Durgapur–Gomoh special will operate on select dates, departing Gomoh at 9 pm and reaching Durgapur at 1 am. The return services will run on multiple dates, leaving Durgapur at 2.30 am and arriving in Gomoh at 6.30 am, with stops at Dhanbad and Asansol.
Despite these additional services, conditions at Patna Junction remain challenging. Several major trains passing through the station are running hours behind schedule, forcing passengers to wait in harsh weather conditions.
Among the worst affected are the Jaynagar–Udhna summer special, delayed by nearly 18 hours, and the Madhubani–Udhna service, running 11 hours late. Other trains, including the Bhagalpur Garib Rath Express, Shramjeevi Express and Howrah summer special, are also significantly delayed, with waiting times ranging from two to over six hours.
Passengers report that the extreme heat has compounded their difficulties. With limited access to shade, drinking water and seating, elderly travellers, women and children are bearing the brunt of the disruption.
