Indian Railways has brought great news for passengers planning to travel to Bihar for the upcoming Holi festival. To manage the heavy festive rush, authorities have announced the regular operation of the Panvel–Alipurduar Amrit Bharat Express and a new AC Superfast special train connecting Sheikhpura to Anand Vihar. These services are expected to provide significant relief to travelers from Patna, Nalanda, and North Bihar districts who face difficulties in getting confirmed tickets during the holiday season.
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Panvel–Alipurduar Amrit Bharat Express Schedule
The Panvel–Alipurduar Amrit Bharat Express is set to begin regular services starting February 23, 2026. This train serves as a vital link between Western India and North Bihar, offering a comfortable ride at affordable rates. It is a premium non-AC train equipped with modern ‘push-pull’ technology for smoother travel.
- Train 11031 (Panvel to Alipurduar): This train will depart from Panvel every Monday at 11:50 AM and reach Alipurduar on the third day at 1:50 PM.
- Train 11032 (Alipurduar to Panvel): The return service will leave Alipurduar every Thursday at 04:45 AM and arrive in Panvel on the third day at 05:30 AM.
- Key Stops: The train will halt at major stations including Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU), Patliputra, Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, and Katihar.
- Fare Structure: The train has no RAC system. The minimum fare is ₹36 for general class and ₹149 for sleeper class, with no dynamic pricing applicable.
Sheikhpura to Anand Vihar Holi Special AC Train
A special fully air-conditioned train has been introduced for passengers in the Magadh and Nalanda regions. The Sheikhpura–Anand Vihar Holi Special AC Superfast (Train No. 04070/04069) will operate specifically for the festival period from February 20 to March 6, 2026. This train is a boon for residents of Barbigha and Bihar Sharif, as it runs on the new rail line connecting these towns to the capital.
The train runs twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. It departs from Sheikhpura at 10:30 PM and reaches Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi at 07:00 PM the next day. On the return leg, it leaves Anand Vihar at 12:20 AM (midnight) and reaches Sheikhpura at 08:30 PM. The train features First, Second, and Third AC coaches and stops at key stations like Patna, Danapur, Ara, Buxar, and Prayagraj.
Booking Status and Facilities
According to East Central Railway CPRO Saraswati Chandra, these trains have been planned keeping passenger convenience in mind. The Amrit Bharat Express offers improved amenities like mobile charging points, cushioned luggage racks, and radium floor strips. Bookings for the Panvel service have already commenced.
Due to high demand, seats on the Sheikhpura–Anand Vihar special are filling up quickly. Passengers are advised to check the latest availability on the IRCTC website or the NTES app before planning their journey. Since the AC special runs only until March 6, travelers should secure their tickets early to avoid last-minute hassles.