Indian Railways has officially extended the operational run of the Mau-Kolkata weekly special train, identified by numbers 05096 and 05095, for 10 additional trips. This initiative, confirmed by North Eastern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Sumit Kumar on July 15, 2026, is designed to accommodate rising passenger demand and ensure seamless connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The extension serves as a vital link for commuters across the Purvanchal region of Bihar, including those traveling through key transit hubs like Sonpur, Hajipur, and Chhapra.
Schedule and Timings
For travelers planning their journeys, the extended service for Train 05096 (Mau to Kolkata) will operate every Wednesday from July 22 to September 23, 2026. This train is scheduled to depart Mau Junction at 1:20 PM and arrive in Kolkata at 8:50 AM the following day. Conversely, Train 05095 (Kolkata to Mau) will run every Thursday from July 23 to September 24, 2026, departing from Kolkata at 1:20 PM and reaching Mau Junction at 8:40 AM the next morning.
Route and Coach Composition
Covering a distance of approximately 788 kilometers, the train provides a vital transit link between these two states. The journey from Mau to Kolkata takes roughly 19 hours and 20-30 minutes, while the return leg is completed in approximately 18 hours and 25 minutes. The route includes several major and minor stations, such as Siwan, Chhapra, Hajipur, Barauni, Asansol, Ekma, Dighwara, Kiul, Jhajha, Jasidih, and Barddhaman.
To manage the passenger load effectively, each train will be equipped with 19 coaches. The composition includes a mix of AC Two-tier, AC Three-tier, Sleeper Class, and General Second Class coaches, along with two SLRD (Second Class Luggage, Rake, and Guard) coaches to ensure comfortable travel for all classes of passengers. Travelers are advised to check the official IRCTC website or the NTES app for real-time booking status and any further updates regarding this service.