Patna, September 25: With passenger traffic expected to increase during Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath, Indian Railways will operate a special train between Kolkata and Banaras via Patna from October 6.
The special service will run until November 25 and will make eight trips in each direction. The train will have air-conditioned coaches and will stop at several major stations in Bihar and Jharkhand, including Jasidih, Patna, Ara and Buxar.
Banaras-Kolkata Special To Run Every Tuesday
Train No. 05048, Banaras-Kolkata Special, will operate from October 6 to November 24, 2026, every Tuesday.
The train will depart from Banaras at 10:45 am and reach Kolkata at 6:15 am the following day.
According to the schedule, the service will make a total of eight trips during the notified period.
Kolkata-Banaras Service On Wednesdays
The return service, Train No. 05047, Kolkata-Banaras Special, will operate from October 7 to November 25, 2026, every Wednesday.
The Kolkata-Banaras service will also make eight trips during the festive period, providing an additional option for passengers travelling between West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Patna, Ara And Buxar Among Major Stops
The special train will halt at several important stations along its route in both directions.
The scheduled stoppages include Durgapur, Asansol, Chittaranjan, Madhupur, Jasidih, Kiul, Patna, Ara and Buxar.
For passengers travelling through Bihar, the stops at Patna, Ara and Buxar are particularly relevant during the festive season, when demand for railway tickets generally rises.
AC Coaches For Festive Travel
The railway has planned air-conditioned coaches for the Puja Special service.
The additional train is intended to provide more travel options during the period of increased passenger movement around Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath.
Passengers planning to travel on the route can check ticket availability and book their journey according to the notified schedule.
Eight Trips In Each Direction
The Banaras-Kolkata service will operate on Tuesdays, while the Kolkata-Banaras service will run on Wednesdays during the notified period.
The special service will therefore provide eight additional trips in each direction between the two cities during the festive season.
Passengers are advised to check the latest railway schedule and ticket availability before travelling, as operational timings and other details may be updated by the railway authorities.
