Eastern Railway: 102 Special Trains for Diwali & Chhath Puja 2026
Eastern Railway to operate 102 special train trips from Nov 6-14, 2026, to manage the Diwali and Chhath Puja festive rush in Bihar and surrounding regions.
Eastern Railway has announced a massive boost to its festive operations to accommodate the heavy influx of passengers during the upcoming holiday season. To manage the significant surge expected during Diwali and Chhath Puja 2026, the zone will operate a total of 102 special train trips.
Relief for Bihar and Surrounding Regions
The special services are scheduled to run between November 6 and November 14, 2026. These additional trips are primarily aimed at the Bihar region, where seat shortages typically become a major concern during these major festivals. By introducing these services, the railway administration aims to ease the pressure on existing long-distance routes.
Key Routes and Connectivity
The special train network is designed to provide seamless connectivity between major urban hubs and the festive heartlands. The services will connect several important destinations, including:
- Delhi
- Patna
- Ahmedabad
- Haridwar
- Malda
- Kiul
- Gaya
- Bhagalpur
A significant part of the service plan involves integrated operations for Bhagalpur and Sabour, ensuring that travelers in these specific areas have better access to the special festive network.
Reserved and Unreserved Options
To cater to the diverse needs of commuters, Eastern Railway has included both reserved and unreserved special trains. While reserved services offer planned seating, passengers looking for unreserved travel can purchase their tickets directly from station counters.
Essential Travel Information
Indian Railways and Eastern Railway have issued several recommendations to ensure a smooth journey for all passengers:
- Verify Schedules: Always check the latest departure timings and specific stoppage points before your journey.
- Use Official Apps: Passengers are encouraged to use the IRCTC website or the NTES mobile application for the most accurate information.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Railway authorities have requested travelers to remain vigilant and check the real-time status of their trains to account for any last-minute operational changes.
Railway authorities emphasize the importance of checking real-time updates to navigate any potential operational adjustments during this high-traffic period.