Khatipura Kolkata Puja Special: New Train Service Announced
Indian Railways launches the Khatipura Kolkata Puja Special to manage festive crowds during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath.
To tackle the massive surge of passengers during the upcoming festive season, Indian Railways has announced the launch of the Khatipura Kolkata Puja Special. This strategic move is designed to provide much-needed travel relief to commuters during the high-demand periods of Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja.
Detailed Schedule and Train Numbers
The special service will be a coordinated effort between the North Western Railway and Eastern Railway to ensure smooth operations during the holiday rush. Here are the specific details for the upcoming trips:
- Train No. 09709 (Khatipura to Kolkata): This service will depart from Khatipura every Wednesday at 3:45 p.m., reaching Kolkata at 10:15 p.m. the following day. This specific run will operate from October 28, 2026, to November 18, 2026.
- Train No. 09710 (Kolkata to Khatipura): The return journey will depart from Kolkata every Friday at 12:30 a.m., arriving in Khatipura at 7:10 a.m. the next morning. This service is scheduled from October 30, 2026, to November 20, 2026.
To accommodate the festive influx, each direction will feature four scheduled trips.
Route, Major Stoppages, and Coach Classes
The Khatipura Kolkata Puja Special will traverse several key junctions, making it a convenient option for passengers traveling across multiple states. The train will include designated stoppages at Durgapur and Asansol.
Other significant stations on the route include:
- Agra
- Kanpur
- Prayagraj
- Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction
- Gaya
To cater to different passenger preferences, the train will feature a variety of coach classes, including Sleeper, AC 2-tier (2A), AC 3-tier (3A), and Second Class Seating (2S).
Official Confirmation and Booking Details
The announcement was confirmed by Ashish Kumar Singh, an information officer for the Asansol Division, with additional details provided by Kaushik Mitra, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway. They emphasized that these special operations are vital for managing the seasonal passenger load effectively.
Passengers are encouraged to stay updated by checking the official Indian Railways website or visiting their nearest reservation center. While the official commencement of advance booking dates is expected to be announced shortly, tickets can be secured through the Public Reservation System (PRS) and various online platforms.