Navratri Special: New Train Halts at Vindhyachal and Maihar
To accommodate the massive influx of devotees during the Sharadiya Navratri festival, Indian Railways has announced significant operational changes. Effective from October 11, 2026, through October 26, 2026 (with some services extending to October 27), several express and superfast trains will make temporary halts at Vindhyachal and Maihar stations to facilitate seamless travel for pilgrims.
This coordinated effort involves the West Central Railway (Bhopal Division), North Eastern Railway, East Central Railway (Hajipur), and the North Central Railway (Prayagraj Division). According to Saraswati Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer of East Central Railway, these measures are specifically designed to ease the journey for those visiting the holy sites.
Enhanced Facilities at Vindhyachal Station
Vindhyachal station is set to see increased activity, with 14 express trains scheduled to make two-minute halts in both directions. To manage the expected crowds, the North Central Railway's Prayagraj Division has also established three new unreserved ticket counters at the station.
The express trains receiving these temporary halts include:
- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Patliputra Express
- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Dibrugarh Express
- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Guwahati Express
- Bhagalpur-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express
- Bengal