Northern Railway launches new puja special trains and engineering work adjustments
Northern Railway is taking proactive steps to manage the massive festive rush by introducing new special train services and adjusting schedules for infrastructure development. This comprehensive festive plan covers crucial routes across Assam, Bihar, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir during the peak travel months of October and November 2026. Passengers planning their journeys can look forward to over 100 special train services nationwide for Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath festivals, designed to ease congestion and provide confirmed berths on popular holiday routes.
Northern Railway has announced the launch of three additional Puja Special trains connecting Assam, Bihar, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir. The festive schedule spanning October and November 2026 also features the introduction of five new festival special trains starting October 1, including routes from Delhi-Howrah, Anand Vihar-Bhagalpur, Rishikesh-Kolkata, Amritsar-Kolkata, and Amritsar-Barauni. Specifically, the Yog Nagri Rishikesh-Kolkata Special (04312/04311) is slated to operate from October 16 to November 20 on Fridays, and from October 18 to November 22 on Sundays. Separately, Northern Railway has submitted a proposal for two pairs of Vande Bharat Special trains between New Delhi and Patna, scheduled to run from October 21 to November 25, 2026.
Expanded Festive Connectivity
These ongoing holiday efforts aim to seamlessly connect major railway hubs such as New Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Amritsar, and Sultanpur. They will link travelers directly to popular regional destinations including Supaul, Bhagalpur, Kolkata, Muzaffarpur, Barauni, and Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminal. These services form part of a broader Indian Railways initiative ensuring seamless travel experiences for millions of families celebrating the festive season together.
Engineering Works and Train Regulation
While festive travel gets a major boost, ongoing infrastructure development requires temporary operational changes. Due to essential engineering works at Raisi station within the Moradabad division, several regular trains face rescheduling and route diversions.
The 15211 Darbhanga-Amritsar Express on September 25-26 will be rescheduled by 120 minutes, and by 30 minutes on September 28. The 22546 Dehradun-Lucknow Junction Express on September 29 will be regulated by 60 minutes. The 14603 Narpatganj-Amritsar Express on September 25 will be delayed by 120 minutes. Furthermore, the 14618 Amritsar-Purnia Court Express on September 29 will be diverted via the Saharanpur-Meerut City-Hapur-Moradabad route. Additionally, services for the Dehradun Vande Bharat train will also be impacted by these infrastructure works. Passengers traveling on these specific dates are advised to check their train status in advance before heading to the station.