Indian Railways has announced the operation of a weekly summer special train between Durg and Haridwar to accommodate the increasing number of passengers during the summer season. Starting from April 19, 2026, this special train will provide a direct link for travelers and include a strategic halt at Roorkee station. The South East Central Railway (SECR) confirmed that this initiative is designed to reduce overcrowding and provide a smoother travel experience for various classes of passengers.
What is the train schedule and frequency?
The Durg-Haridwar Special (Train No. 08743) will depart from Durg every Sunday at 11:00 AM, reaching Haridwar the following Monday at 05:30 PM. For the return journey, Train No. 08744 will leave Haridwar every Monday at 06:55 PM and arrive back in Durg on Wednesday at 03:00 AM. This service will run for 11 trips in each direction, covering the peak summer period until late June 2026. Senior Commercial Manager Aditya Gupta mentioned that the stop at Roorkee is specifically included to benefit local commuters.
Important stops and coach details
The special train is configured with 18 coaches to cater to different passenger needs, including 2 AC-III coaches, 10 Sleeper coaches, 4 General coaches, and 2 SLRD units. This mix ensures that both budget-conscious travelers and those seeking more comfort are accommodated during the busy season. The train will pass through major junctions across several states as detailed in the following table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Train Numbers | 08743 (Durg-Haridwar) / 08744 (Haridwar-Durg) |
| Operating Period | April 19, 2026 to June 29, 2026 |
| Frequency | Weekly (Sunday from Durg, Monday from Haridwar) |
| Total Trips | 11 trips in each direction |
| Key Halts | Raipur, Uslapur, Pendra Road, Shahdol, Katni Murwara, Damoh |
| Route Halts | Saugor, VGL Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra Cantt, Mathura, Hazrat Nizamuddin |
| Final Halts | Meerut City, Roorkee, Haridwar |
| Coach Composition | AC-III, Sleeper, and General (Total 18 Coaches) |