Eastern Railway Unveils 901 Special Trains for Diwali & Chhath
Eastern Railway to run 901 special trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja 2026. Check routes like Sealdah-Ballia and Kolkata-Gorakhpur for festive travel.
To manage the massive influx of passengers during the upcoming festive season, Eastern Railway has announced a major operation plan featuring Eastern Railway Diwali special trains. A total of 901 special train trips have been scheduled to run between November 1 and November 30, 2026, to ensure smoother travel for commuters during Diwali and Chhath Puja.
A Significant Boost in Festive Services
This year's plan represents a substantial 20.13 percent increase in services compared to the previous year. To cater to the diverse needs of travelers, the railway has divided the special trips into two main categories:
- 626 Reserved Trips: Specifically for passengers looking for confirmed seating.
- 275 Unreserved Trips: To accommodate the high volume of short-distance and spontaneous travelers.
Upgraded Infrastructure and Station Management
With the expectation of heavy crowds, Eastern Railway has prioritized infrastructure and management at key locations. Jasidih and Madhupur stations will receive specialized attention to handle the passenger surge effectively.
Furthermore, the railway has expanded passenger amenities and holding capacities across the Howrah, Sealdah, Asansol, and Malda divisions. In a major move to improve passenger comfort, the total passenger holding area has been increased by 35.61 percent compared to 2025 levels.
Key Special Train Routes and Connections
Several unreserved special trains will connect West Bengal with major destinations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. These services are vital for those traveling through the Jasidih and Madhupur corridors. Notable routes include:
- Sealdah–Jaynagar (03137/03138)
- Sealdah–Ballia (03139/03140)
- Kolkata–Gorakhpur (03141/03142)
Railway authorities urge all passengers to verify current schedules and seat availability before beginning their journey.
How to Stay Updated
For real-time operational updates and assistance, travelers are encouraged to use the following official channels:
- The National Train Enquiry System (NTES) mobile application.
- The official railway helpline by dialing 139.