Indian Railways has announced the launch of a new summer special train service between Banaras and Kolkata to manage the increased passenger demand during the holiday season. The weekly special service, operating under train numbers 05048 and 05047, will provide additional connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. These trains are scheduled to run until late April 2026 to help commuters secure confirmed tickets.
What is the schedule and route for the Banaras-Kolkata Summer Special?
Train number 05048 departs from Banaras station every Tuesday at 10:45 AM. It reaches Varanasi Junction at 10:55 AM and continues its journey toward Kolkata, arriving at 06:15 AM the following day. On the return trip, train number 05047 leaves Kolkata every Wednesday at 08:25 AM and reaches Banaras at 04:15 AM the next morning. The service is operated by the North Eastern Railway zone and covers a distance of approximately 820 kilometers.
| Station Name | Arrival Time (05048) | Departure Time (05048) |
|---|---|---|
| Banaras (BNRS) | Starts | 10:45 AM |
| Varanasi Jn (BSB) | 10:55 AM | 11:00 AM |
| Ghazipur City (GCT) | 12:10 PM | 12:15 PM |
| Ballia (BUI) | 01:15 PM | 01:20 PM |
| Chhapra (CPR) | 02:50 PM | 03:00 PM |
| Kolkata (KOAA) | 06:15 AM (Next Day) | Ends |
Details of coach composition and passenger facilities
The Summer Special train is configured as an all-AC service to ensure a comfortable journey during the heat. It features modern LHB coaches which provide better safety and ride quality for passengers. The rake includes 20 AC 3-tier economy coaches designed to offer affordable air-conditioned travel. While the train does not have a pantry car, passengers can utilize e-catering services for meals, and bedrolls are provided on board as per standard AC class rules.
- Coach Type: AC 3-Tier Economy (3E)
- Rake Type: LHB Rake
- Total Coaches: 22 (including 2 Generator Vans)
- Service Type: Special Fare AC Summer Special