New Delhi-Howrah Festival Special: Frequency Boosted!
Indian Railways has stepped up efforts to manage the massive surge in passenger demand during the upcoming festive season. To ensure smoother travel for commuters, the frequency of the New Delhi-Howrah Festival Special train service has been increased to three days a week.
Updated Weekly Schedule
The railway authorities have revised the operational days for both directions to better serve travelers heading home for the holidays. Here is the new schedule:
- Train No. 04052 (New Delhi to Howrah): This service will now operate every Friday, Sunday, and Tuesday. The service is scheduled to run from October 6 to November 29, 2026.
- Train No. 04051 (Howrah to New Delhi): This service will run every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The service is scheduled to run from October 8 to December 1, 2026.
With this change, each direction will feature a total of 24 trips to accommodate the festive load.
Extra Support for Diwali and Chhath Puja
Recognizing the heavy movement of passengers toward Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal during Diwali and Chhath Puja, the Railways has also introduced eight supplementary one-way trips. This additional capacity is aimed at reducing overcrowding and providing more options for long-distance travelers during the peak period.
Route and Major Stops
The 1,538-kilometer journey connects several major hubs across the country. The train will make scheduled stops at the following locations:
- Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Tundla, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Mirzapur
- Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Buxar, Ara, and Patna Junction
- Bakhtiyarpur, Kiul, Jhajha, Jasidih, and Madhupur
- Chittaranjan, Asansol, Durgapur, Barddhaman, and Bandel
Coach Classes and Amenities
To cater to various passenger needs, the train will utilize 16 ICF coaches. Travelers can choose from several classes, including:
- First AC (1A) and Second AC (2A)
- Third AC (3A) and Sleeper Class (SL)
- General (GN) and Chair Car (CC)
Note: Passengers are advised to verify the latest schedules and seat availability through official booking platforms, as timings are subject to change.