299 Special Trains for Durga Puja & Diwali: Eastern Railway
In a major move to handle the massive influx of commuters during the upcoming festive season, Eastern Railway is introducing 299 special train services. These additional services are scheduled to operate between October 1 and November 30, 2026, specifically to manage the heavy passenger rush expected during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja.
Key Festive Services and Routes
To ensure travelers can reach their destinations comfortably, several high-priority special trains have been scheduled. One of the standout services is the Bhagalpur-Anand Vihar Terminal Special (04061). This train will run daily starting from October 11, the commencement of Durga Puja, and will continue until November 26, completing a total of 47 trips.
The Bhagalpur-Anand Vihar service is designed with a 20-coach configuration to cater to different passenger needs, featuring:
- One Second AC coach
- Two Third AC coaches
- Nine sleeper class coaches
- Six general coaches
- Two SLR coaches
For the migrant community residing in Western India, specifically in cities like Surat, Ahmedabad, and Gandhinagar, the Bhagalpur-Gandhinagar Capital Special (09452) will provide vital connectivity. This service will operate every Monday from October 5 to November 30, making nine scheduled trips.
Expanding Connectivity Across West Bengal
Eastern Railway is also launching multiple special services from various stations in West Bengal to connect passengers with major hubs across the country. Some of the key services include:
- Kolkata-New Jalpaiguri Special (03129): Running on Saturdays and Sundays from October 17 to November 29, totaling 14 trips.
- Howrah-New Delhi Special (04051): Operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from October 8 to December 1, with 24 trips planned.
- Howrah-Patna Special (02023): Scheduled to run every Sunday from October 4 to November 29.
Further connectivity will be provided through special services from Malda Town to destinations including Digha, Anand Vihar, and Bengaluru. Additionally, passengers from Asansol will have special options to reach Patna and Gorakhpur, while Sealdah will see special operations heading toward Patna, Sitamarhi, and Gorakhpur.
Enhanced Safety and Crowd Management
Recognizing the potential for overcrowding at major railway junctions during the holidays, railway authorities have implemented strict preparedness measures. To ensure a smooth and safe journey for all passengers, the following steps are being taken:
- Increased Security: Deployment of additional police forces at key stations to maintain order.
- Passenger Assistance: Establishment of dedicated help desks to assist travelers.
- Operational Efficiency: Focus on streamlined ticketing processes and enhanced cleanliness at stations.
These initiatives aim to minimize waiting lists and prevent congestion, ensuring that the festive homecoming for millions of passengers remains efficient and hassle-free.