South East Central Railway (SECR) Bilaspur Zone has released information regarding available berths in special trains operated for the Rath Yatra. The railway administration has urged passengers to book these seats to avoid heavy crowds in regular trains. These special arrangements aim to provide a comfortable journey for devotees traveling during the festival.
Which special trains are running for Rath Yatra 2026
The railway has introduced ‘Train on Demand’ (TOD) services to manage the extra rush. A key service is the Gondia-Puri-Gondia special (Train No. 08801/08802). Additionally, for the first time, an Amrit Bharat Express Special (Train No. 08411) will run between Brahmapur and Udhna via Raipur and Durg starting July 6.
| Train Number | Route | Departure Dates (From) | Return Dates (To) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08801 | Gondia to Puri | July 2, 9, 16, 29 | – |
| 08802 | Puri to Gondia | – | July 3, 10, 17, 30 |
| 08411 | Brahmapur to Udhna | July 6 | – |
How to check availability and book tickets
Passengers can find empty berths in Sleeper, AC-3, and AC-2 classes. Booking is available through the official IRCTC website and authorized railway reservation centers. Travelers can also use the RailOne app to check PNR status, live train running status, coach position, and book both reserved and unreserved tickets.
What is the official statement from railway authorities
Senior DCM of Bilaspur Division, Anurag Kumar Singh, stated that passenger numbers increase significantly every year during Rath Yatra. This special arrangement ensures that devotees can travel safely and on time. The railway is continuously reviewing booking status and may operate additional special trains if the demand remains high.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the dates for the Gondia-Puri special train?
Train 08801 departs Gondia for Puri on July 2, 9, 16, and 29. Train 08802 returns from Puri to Gondia on July 3, 10, 17, and 30, 2026.
How can I book tickets for these special trains?
Tickets can be booked via the IRCTC website, official railway reservation counters, or the RailOne app.