Northeast Frontier Railway regularises two special trains passing through Katihar
Railway passengers in the Seemanchal region and Shravani Mela devotees have received a major boost as the Northeast Frontier Railway has decided to regularise two key special trains passing through Katihar. Additionally, the railway administration has increased the frequency of the Manihari Mela Special trains to cater to the heavy rush of pilgrims heading towards the Manihari Ganga Ghat. Passengers travelling through this region can now plan their journeys better with these permanent train services and extended festival operations.
Key highlights of the railway announcement include:
- Rani Kamalapati Agartala Special train to operate as regular trains 11665/11666 starting October 22.
- Hapa Naharlagun Special train to run with new regular numbers 19525/19526 from September 23.
- Katihar Manihari Special train 07540/07539 gets five additional trips.
- Katihar Manihari Special train 07542/07541 gets three extra trips to manage Shravani Mela rush.
Permanent Connectivity for Long Distance Travellers
The regularisation of these long-distance trains along with designated halts at Katihar significantly strengthens direct and permanent rail connectivity between central India, Gujarat, and the northeastern states. For a long time, passengers from this region depended on seasonal special services, which often led to uncertainty during peak travel seasons. With these routes becoming permanent, regular commuters, traders, and pilgrims will experience seamless and hassle-free travel without worrying about ticket availability on temporary routes.
Easing Devotee Movement to Manihari Ganga Ghat
To manage the massive influx of pilgrims during the ongoing festive season, the extension of Katihar Manihari special services comes as a much-needed relief. The local railway administration closely monitored passenger footfall and proactively increased the trip frequency. This step ensures that devotees participating in the holy rituals face minimum congestion at stations and onboard trains. Both regular commuters and festival travellers are advised to check the updated schedules and train numbers via the IRCTC portal or National Train Enquiry System before embarking on their journeys.