With passenger demand expected to rise during Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath, Indian Railways has planned special train services to provide additional travel options for passengers travelling to and from Bihar. The services include a New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special and an Ahmedabad-Malda Town Puja Special.
The additional trains are expected to help passengers travelling home for the festivals, when seats on regular services can be difficult to secure.
New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special from October 16
The New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special is scheduled to begin operations on October 16, 2026, and continue until November 25. The train will pass through Ara Junction under the Danapur railway division and is scheduled to operate three days a week during the notified period.
According to the schedule provided, train number 02252 will depart from New Delhi on October 16 and 18, followed by services from October 21 to November 25 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
In the return direction, train number 02251 will depart from Patna on October 17 and 19, followed by services from October 21 to November 25 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
The train is scheduled to stop at the following stations:
- New Delhi
- Aligarh Junction
- Kanpur Central
- Prayagraj Junction
- Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction
- Buxar
- Ara
- Patna
Passengers should check the official railway timetable for confirmed departure times, stoppages and reservation details before travelling.
Ahmedabad-Malda Town Puja Special to Run Until November
Railways has also planned a special train between Ahmedabad and Malda Town to accommodate festive-season demand. The service is expected to benefit passengers travelling between Gujarat and eastern India, including those from Munger, Jamalpur, Bhagalpur, Sultanganj, Kahalgaon and Sahibganj.
According to Eastern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Shibaram Manjhi, train number 09401, the Ahmedabad-Malda Town Puja Special, is scheduled to depart from Ahmedabad every Wednesday at 3.30 pm from October 14 to November 25, 2026, for seven trips. It is scheduled to reach Malda Town at 10 am on the third day.
In the return direction, train number 09402 will depart from Malda Town every Friday at 6.10 pm from October 16 to November 27, for seven trips. It is scheduled to reach Ahmedabad at 1 pm on the third day.
Stops at Bhagalpur, Jamalpur and Sultanganj
The Ahmedabad-Malda Town Puja Special will stop at several stations within Eastern Railway’s jurisdiction, including:
- New Farakka
- Barharwa
- Sahibganj
- Kahalgaon
- Bhagalpur
- Sultanganj
- Jamalpur
- Abhaypur
The train is scheduled to stop at these stations in both directions, giving passengers in the surrounding areas additional options for travelling to and from Ahmedabad during the festive period.
Sleeper and AC Coaches Available
According to the information provided by Eastern Railway, the Ahmedabad-Malda Town Puja Special will have sleeper-class and air-conditioned coaches. The reservation opening date is yet to be announced, and passengers have been advised to monitor official railway announcements and the reservation system for updates.
Additional Services to Manage Festive Rush
The special services are intended to provide more travel options during a period when many people return to their hometowns for Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath, while others travel for work and other commitments.
Passengers should confirm the latest schedules, availability and booking arrangements through official railway channels before planning their journeys.
