Indian Railways has officially extended the operations of the popular Mau-Kolkata special train service to cater to the rising passenger demand across Purvanchal and Bihar. This extension ensures continued connectivity for commuters traveling between Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, with services now scheduled to run until late September 2026. The announcement, made on July 15, 2026, confirms that both train numbers 05096 and 05095 will complete 10 additional trips to facilitate travel for residents in these regions.
- Extension Period: Service extended until late September 2026.
- Train Numbers: 05096 (Mau to Kolkata) and 05095 (Kolkata to Mau).
- Schedule: Weekly service departing Mau on Wednesdays and Kolkata on Thursdays.
- Coach Composition: 19 coaches including AC, Sleeper, and General classes.
Updated Train Timings and Route Details
The 05096 Mau-Kolkata Special is scheduled to depart from Mau every Wednesday from July 22 to September 23, 2026, at 1:20 PM, reaching Kolkata at 8:50 AM the following day. For the return journey, the 05095 Kolkata-Mau Special will depart Kolkata every Thursday from July 23 to September 24, 2026, at 1:20 PM, arriving at Mau Junction at 8:40 AM the next morning.
These trains cover a distance of approximately 788 kilometers. The journey from Mau to Kolkata takes roughly 19 hours and 20-30 minutes, while the return trip takes about 18 hours and 25 minutes. The route passes through vital stations including Siwan, Chhapra, Hajipur, Barauni, and Asansol, providing essential connectivity to cities in Bihar and West Bengal.
Coach Composition and Passenger Amenities
According to North Eastern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Sumit Kumar, this extension serves as a vital transit option for the residents of Siwan, Chhapra, and Sonepur. Each train is equipped with 19 coaches, offering a mix of travel classes to suit different passenger needs. The configuration includes two SLRD coaches, 10 General Second Class coaches, five Sleeper coaches, one AC 3rd-class coach, and one AC 2nd-class coach. Additionally, a pantry car is available on the Mau-Kolkata service to ensure food availability for passengers during the long-distance journey. Passengers are advised to check the official IRCTC website or the NTES app for real-time updates and ticket bookings.