Summer Special Train: Indian Railways to run Gondia-Raxaul weekly service via Ranchi and Dhanbad
South East Central Railway has announced the operation of a weekly summer special train between Gondia Junction and Raxaul Junction to manage the heavy passenger rush during the upcoming summer holidays. Starting from April 25, 2026, train number 08867/08868 will provide 10 trips in each direction. This service will offer additional convenience and extra berths for travelers heading towards Bihar and Jharkhand from the Nagpur division.
Gondia-Raxaul Special Train Schedule and Timings
The train will operate once a week for a total of 10 trips during the vacation season. Train number 08867 Gondia-Raxaul special will depart from Gondia every Saturday at 06:30 AM and will run from April 25 to June 27, 2026. On the return trip, train number 08868 Raxaul-Gondia special will leave Raxaul every Sunday at 07:10 PM starting from April 26 to June 28, 2026. The total travel time is estimated to be around 34 hours and 30 minutes for a distance of approximately 1445 km.
Route Stoppages and Coach Composition
This summer special train will stop at several major stations across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar. It will consist of 20 coaches including Sleeper, General, and AC 3-Tier. The train uses an ICF rake to ensure a comfortable journey for long-distance passengers. Detailed information about the route and coach configuration is provided below:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Stoppages | Ranchi, Bokaro Steel City, Dhanbad, Raipur, Bilaspur, Rourkela |
| Bihar Route | Barauni, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Raxaul |
| Chhattisgarh Route | Gondia, Rajnandgaon, Durg, Raipur, Bilaspur, Raigarh |
| Coach Composition | 4 AC 3-Tier, 10 Sleeper, 4 General, and 2 SLR/D coaches |
The railway administration has advised passengers to check the official IRCTC website or station inquiry for reservation and updated timings. This special train is expected to reduce the waiting list on regular trains passing through these busy routes during the peak summer months.