Kota-Panipat Special Trains for Dussehra & Diwali Rush
Indian Railways is set to ease the festive travel burden by introducing special train services between Kota and Panipat. To accommodate the massive surge in passengers during the Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja season, the Kota Railway Division has announced dedicated services to ensure smoother connectivity for travelers.
Festive Special Train Schedule and Routes
According to Saurabh Jain, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Kota Railway Division, these special services will operate on October 22 and October 26, 2026. The schedule is designed to cater to both onward and return journeys during the peak holiday period.
Train Number 09801: Kota to Panipat
This service is scheduled to depart from Kota at 9:45 AM and will reach Panipat at 10:25 PM on the same day. The train will provide essential transit for passengers in the Sawai Madhopur region, with scheduled stops at the following stations:
- Lakheri
- Gangapur City
- Hindaun City
- Bayana
- Bharatpur
- Mathura
- New Delhi
- Sonipat
- Bhodwal Majri
Train Number 09802: Panipat to Kota
The return service will depart from Panipat at 11:35 PM on the specified dates, arriving back in Kota at 1:30 PM the following day.
Massive Festive Preparedness by Indian Railways
The launch of these special trains is part of a much larger initiative by Indian Railways to manage holiday traffic. As of October 13, 2026, the railways have notified a staggering 8,454 special train trips for the Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja season. Specifically focusing on the Dussehra and Diwali period, a total of 102 special trains have been planned. Passengers can note that bookings for these services were opened on September 27, 2026.
Regional Infrastructure and Development
While managing the festive rush, the Sawai Madhopur region is also seeing significant long-term infrastructure upgrades. These projects aim to enhance capacity and safety in the area, which has recently seen various maintenance works and rail disruptions. Key ongoing projects include:
- Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur Line Doubling: A major project valued at ₹1268.57 crore, spanning 152.77 km.
- Sawai Madhopur Railway Bypass: A 13.54 km bypass project with an estimated value of ₹239.54 crore.