Patna: With passenger demand set to soar during the upcoming festive season, Indian Railways will operate a set of Puja special trains from late September through mid-November, easing travel between Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
The services include special trains between Asansol and Patna, Sealdah and Patna, Howrah and Raxaul, Sealdah and Gorakhpur, and Asansol and Gorakhpur. The schedule covers the period from September 26 to November 19, with most services running weekly.
Officials said the move is aimed at managing extra rush around Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath, when migrant workers, students and families travel in large numbers to and from Bihar.
The Asansol–Patna special will run on Sundays between October 19 and November 9, while the Sealdah–Patna service will operate every Sunday from October 5 to November 16. The Howrah–Raxaul train will run on Saturdays from September 27 to November 15, returning the following day.
In addition, Sealdah–Gorakhpur trains will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from September 30 to November 18, and the Asansol–Gorakhpur service will run on Fridays between September 26 and November 7.
Each train will carry a mix of AC two-tier, AC three-tier, sleeper and general class coaches, depending on the route. Railway officials have urged passengers to check detailed timings and halts before planning travel.
The festival specials are expected to ease congestion on regular services, offering relief to passengers during one of the busiest travel seasons in eastern India.
