Chhath Puja 2026: Special Trains Announced for Bihar Rush
Indian Railways announces special trains from Delhi, Mumbai, and Punjab to manage Chhath Puja rush in Bihar. Check schedules and Vande Bharat updates.
To accommodate the massive surge in passenger traffic for the upcoming Chhath Puja festival, Indian Railways has announced a comprehensive schedule of special trains. These services are designed to connect various states, including Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, to major destinations across Bihar.
Key Festival Special Train Schedules
With Chhath Puja celebrations scheduled from November 12 to November 15, 2026, the railways are preparing for heavy passenger volumes. Northern Railway has introduced several unreserved festival special trains to help manage the anticipated crowds.
- Train Number 04456: This service will run from Anand Vihar Terminal to Bhagalpur, departing on November 9, 2026, at 1:30 PM.
- Train Number 04568: Operating from Sirhind to Saharsa, this train is scheduled to depart on November 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
Special Services from Mumbai and Pune
In addition to Northern Railway's efforts, West Central Railway and Central Railway have launched special services to assist travelers from Maharashtra. On November 10, special trains will operate from Mumbai (LTT) and Pune toward Danapur and Gorakhpur.
Vande Bharat Special Capacity Boost
To provide enhanced comfort during the festive period, the New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special has received a capacity upgrade. The train's coach count has been increased to 20 to better serve the high number of passengers traveling to Bihar.
Important Travel Dates and Peak Rush Periods
Passengers should plan their journeys carefully, as the railways expect significant congestion during specific windows:
- Outbound Rush: The peak demand for travel toward Bihar is expected between November 9 and November 11.
- Return Rush: The heavy rush for return journeys is projected to occur from November 16 to November 22.
Passengers are advised to verify all train timings, scheduled stops, and seat availability via the official IRCTC website, the NTES application, or by calling the railway helpline number 139.