Indian Railways has officially regularized the train service between Patna Junction and Rajgir to improve passenger connectivity in Bihar. Previously operating as a special service with numbers 03250/03249, the train will now run daily under the new permanent numbers 13354 and 13353. The Ministry of Railways approved this change following consistent demand from regular commuters and local representatives.
New Schedule and Timings for Patna-Rajgir Express
The regular operations for Train Number 13353, the Rajgir-Patna Express, commenced on April 6, 2026. The return service, Train Number 13354, the Patna-Rajgir Express, began its regular run on April 7, 2026. This service ensures a daily link between the state capital and the historic city of Rajgir. The journey covers a distance of nearly 99 kilometers in about 3 hours and 25 minutes.
| Train Number | Route | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13354 | Patna to Rajgir | 09:20 AM | 12:45 PM |
| 13353 | Rajgir to Patna | 03:10 PM | 07:05 PM |
Route Stoppages and Coach Composition
The train provides essential connectivity to several suburban and rural stations. It is scheduled to stop at Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Gulzarbagh, Patna Sahib, Fatuha, Khusrupur, Karauta, Bakhtiyarpur, Harnaut, Wena, Biharsharif, and Nalanda. This route caters to both office goers and students traveling between Patna and Nalanda district.
- Coach Types: The train consists of General, Sleeper, and AC coaches (2A and 3A).
- Capacity: A higher number of General coaches are included to manage the daily passenger rush.
- Official Management: The service is managed by the Danapur Division under the East Central Railway zone.
- Inauguration: Local MP Kaushalendra Kumar is expected to formally flag off the regular service at Rajgir railway station.
The Station Manager of Rajgir, Shashibhushan Sinha, confirmed that the previous special numbers 03250 and 03249 have been discontinued from April 6 and 7 respectively. Passengers can now book tickets under the new train numbers through the IRCTC portal or at railway counters.