Delhi-Bihar Unreserved Special Trains to Ease Festive Rush
To manage the massive passenger surge during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities, Indian Railways has announced the introduction of unreserved festival special trains connecting Delhi to Bihar. These Delhi Bihar special trains are designed to provide immediate relief to commuters, allowing for travel without the need for prior reservations during the peak holiday season.
Spearheaded by the Northern Railway, this initiative aims to accommodate the heavy influx of passengers traveling between the national capital and the eastern state. Unlike the standard long-distance expresses, these specific services will consist entirely of general unreserved coaches.
Shakur Basti to Mansi Junction Schedule
The first service, designated as train number 04406 (Shakur Basti–Mansi Junction Unreserved Festival Special Express), is set to begin its operations from Shakur Basti on November 5, 2026. To ensure maximum coverage during the festival period, the train will complete a total of eight trips. The scheduled dates for this service are:
- November 5, 6, 7
- November 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, 2026
Mansi Junction to Shakur Basti: Return Service
For passengers traveling back toward Delhi, the return service, train number 04405, will depart from Mansi Junction. This service will also complete eight trips to facilitate the return rush. The operational dates for the return journey are:
- November 7, 8, 9
- November 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, 2026
Massive Festive Railway Network
The introduction of these unreserved services is part of a much larger festive strategy by Indian Railways. Over 100 special trains are being operated between October and November 2026 to cater to high-demand destinations across Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
The broader festive network will serve several key stations, including:
- Delhi Region: New Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, and Old Delhi.
- Uttar Pradesh: Kanpur Central, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, and Ayodhya.
- Bihar & Surrounding Areas: Patna, Chhapra, Barauni, Khagaria, Darbhanga, Supaul, Bhagalpur, and Muzaffarpur.
Note: While the Shakur Basti–Mansi Junction service is strictly unreserved, Northern Railway is also operating other festival special trains that include AC and Sleeper classes.
Booking and Fare Information
Passengers looking for reserved seating can book tickets for other festive special trains via the IRCTC portal or at PRS station counters. However, travelers should be aware that these services are subject to 'Train on Special Fare' (TOSF) tariffs. This means passengers may encounter surcharges ranging from 10% to 30% on the standard fare.
To ensure a smooth journey, passengers are strongly advised to verify the most recent train schedules through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or by calling the official railway enquiry number at 139.