Indian Railways has officially announced the extension of the special train service running between Mau Junction and Kolkata to cater to the rising passenger demand. This extension provides a significant boost to connectivity for travelers moving between Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, with a total of 10 additional trips now added to the schedule.
Here are the key details regarding the extended service:
- Train Numbers: 05096 (Mau to Kolkata) and 05095 (Kolkata to Mau).
- Extension Period: Service extended from July 22 to September 24, 2026.
- Frequency: Weekly service departing Mau on Wednesdays and Kolkata on Thursdays.
- Composition: 19 coaches including AC, Sleeper, and General classes.
Schedule and Timings
According to the official announcement by Sumit Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Eastern Railway, the Mau-Kolkata Special (05096) will depart from Mau Junction at 1:20 PM every Wednesday, reaching Kolkata at 8:50 AM the following day. The service will run from July 22 to September 23, 2026.
For the return leg, the Kolkata-Mau Special (05095) will depart from Kolkata Junction at 1:30 PM every Thursday and arrive at Mau Junction at 8:40 AM on Fridays. This return service is scheduled to operate from July 23 to September 24, 2026.
Coach Composition and Route
The train is configured with a 19-coach layout to accommodate a variety of passenger needs. The composition includes one AC Two-tier coach, one AC Three-tier coach, five Sleeper Class coaches, ten General Second Class coaches, and two SLRD coaches.
Passengers traveling on this route will benefit from several key stoppages, ensuring connectivity across the region. The train will halt at Belthra Road, Salempur, Bhatni, Siwan, Chhapra, Hajipur, Barauni, Kiul Junction, Jasidih, Asansol, and Barddhaman. This extension is particularly beneficial for commuters from Siwan, Chhapra, and Sonepur looking for direct access to major economic hubs in Eastern India. Passengers are advised to check the official IRCTC website or the NTES app for real-time status and booking availability before planning their journey.