Bengaluru to Bihar: Special Trains for Diwali & Chhath 2026
Indian Railways announces special trains from Bengaluru and Pune to Bihar for Diwali and Chhath Puja 2026 to ease festive travel rush.
To manage the massive influx of passengers during the upcoming festive season, Indian Railways has announced several special train services connecting southern hubs like Bengaluru to Bihar. These services are specifically aimed at easing the heavy travel demand expected during Diwali and Chhath Puja 2026.
Key Special Train Schedules from Bengaluru and South
Coordinated by the South Western Railway and North Central Railway, these special runs will help passengers avoid the long waiting lists typically seen during the holidays. Key services include:
- Train 06581: This service will depart from Yesvantpur (Bengaluru) for Bihar every Sunday until November 29, 2026. This schedule includes specific departures on October 18 and October 25.
- Hatia-SMVT Bengaluru Special (08637): This train will operate every Wednesday from October 14 to November 11.
- SMVT Bengaluru-Hatia Special (08638): The return journey will depart from SMVT Bengaluru for Hatia every Friday from October 16 to November 13.
- Hubli-Muzaffarpur Weekly Special: A weekly service is expected to run through November 24.
Pune to Muzaffarpur Festive Specials
For travelers connecting from Maharashtra, additional festive services have been scheduled to ensure better connectivity to Bihar:
- Pune-Muzaffarpur Festival Special (01481): This train will depart Pune every Tuesday from October 20 to November 24, traveling via Prayagraj Chheoki and arriving in Muzaffarpur on Thursdays.
- Muzaffarpur-Hadapsar (Pune) Special (01482): The return service will operate every Thursday from October 22 to November 26.
Important Travel Advice for Chhath Puja 2026
With the Chhath Puja rituals, including Kharna and Arghya, scheduled for October 28 and 29, 2026, the railways have issued guidance for smoother travel. To avoid the peak festive rush, passengers are advised to:
- Plan their arrivals in Bihar by November 12.
- Schedule their return journeys on or after November 17.
To accommodate different passenger requirements, these special trains will feature a mix of General, Sleeper, and AC coaches.