Indian Railways extends two festival special trains to manage passenger surge in Basti
Indian Railways has announced the extension of two popular festival special train services to effectively manage the heavy passenger surge during the upcoming festive season. This thoughtful decision brings much-needed relief to commuters traveling to and from Basti and surrounding regions, ensuring smoother journeys during the busy holiday period.
The railway administration has shared key details regarding these extended services:
- Train Number 05060 Lal Kuan-Kolkata Weekly Special Express will operate for eight additional trips from October 8 to November 26, 2026.
- Train Number 05059 Kolkata-Lal Kuan Weekly Special Express will provide the crucial return service departing Kolkata every Saturday.
- Train Number 05193 Chhapra-Pathankot via Gorakhpur Weekly Special Express has also been extended to run through November 23, 2026.
Schedule and Route Details for Lal Kuan Kolkata Specials
For passengers planning their festive travel, Train Number 05060 Lal Kuan-Kolkata Weekly Special Express is scheduled to depart every Thursday at 12:35 PM from Lal Kuan. The train will reach Basti Railway Station at 11:52 PM on the same day after transiting through key stations including Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, and Gonda. It will then proceed toward Kolkata via Gorakhpur, Kaptanganj, Padrauna, and Bihar.
On the return journey, Train Number 05059 Kolkata-Lal Kuan Weekly Special Express will depart from Kolkata every Saturday at 5:00 PM. This service is scheduled to arrive at Basti Railway Station at 3:58 AM via Bihar and Gorakhpur, before continuing its journey toward Lal Kuan via Gonda, Lakhimpur, and Pilibhit.
Extension of Chhapra Pathankot Special Service
In addition to the Kolkata route, the railway administration has extended the operations of Train Number 05193, the Chhapra-Pathankot via Gorakhpur Weekly Special Express. This important route will see eight additional trips, with its extended operations scheduled to run through November 23, 2026. Passengers are advised to check the updated timetables and book their tickets in advance through the IRCTC portal to secure confirmed berths during the peak festive rush.