Indian Railways Announces Special Trains for Festive Season
As the festive season draws near, Indian Railways is gearing up to accommodate the heavy influx of travelers by introducing a remarkable 6,000 special trains. These trains will operate between October 8 and November 8, 2024, coinciding with major Hindu festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja. With an anticipated 1 crore passengers expected to journey during this period, the initiative aims to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel for everyone.
Overview of Special Train Services
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav recently announced that to manage the expected surge in passengers, approximately 12,500 coaches will be added, including additional general coaches in 108 existing trains. The main focus is on key routes serving the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, where festivals traditionally see the highest travel demand.
Details of the Festive Special Trains
- Duration: October 8 to November 8, 2024
- Passenger Capacity: More than 1 crore travelers
- Train Count: 6,000 special trains announced
- Coaches Added: 12,500 coaches sanctioned
Last year, Railways operated 4,429 special trains, highlighting a 30% increase in the number of special trains this year. Minister Vaishnav emphasized that these efforts are designed to facilitate seamless travel for families returning home to celebrate the festivals.
Festival Routes and Special Train Schedules
As part of the festive arrangements, several key routes will feature special trains, particularly between Anand Vihar Terminal and Barauni, as well as between Hazrat Nizamuddin and Patna. Crucially, additional AC coaches will be provided to enhance passenger comfort.
Special Train from Anand Vihar to Barauni
The Anand Vihar-Barauni Weekly Special train is scheduled to depart every Sunday at 9 AM starting October 6 until November 17. It will reach Barauni the following morning at 6:30 AM.
Return Journey
Trains will depart from Barauni back to Anand Vihar every Monday at 8 AM from October 7 to November 18, arriving at Anand Vihar Terminal by 10:10 AM the next day. The train will make stops at key locations including:
| Station | Stop Time |
|---|---|
| Aligarh | Varies |
| Tundla | Varies |
| Etawah | Varies |
| Kanpur Central | Varies |
| Lucknow | Varies |
| Sultanpur | Varies |
| Jaunpur | Varies |
| Ghazipur City | Varies |
| Ballia | Varies |
| Surmenpur | Varies |
| Chhapra | Varies |
| Hajipur | Varies |
Hazrat Nizamuddin to Patna Special Train
Another significant service is the Hazrat Nizamuddin-Patna Special train. It will depart from Patna at 11:55 PM every Monday and Wednesday from October 7 to November 27, arriving at Patna at 4:40 PM the next day. The return trip will leave Hazrat Nizamuddin at 6:05 PM every Tuesday and Thursday, ensuring accessibility for countless travelers.
With these extensive arrangements in place, Indian Railways is committed to making this festive season as enjoyable and stress-free as possible for all passengers. Whether you’re traveling to celebrate Durga Puja, Diwali, or Chhath Puja, these special trains represent just one of the many efforts to enhance the travel experience this year.
