New Puja Special Trains: Anand Vihar, Mau & Gorakhpur Routes Added
Indian Railways adds three new special train pairs for Anand Vihar, Mau, and Gorakhpur to help passengers during Diwali and Chhath Puja.
To manage the massive surge in passenger demand during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities, Indian Railways has announced the introduction of three additional pairs of special trains. These new services are specifically designed to assist travelers who are struggling to secure confirmed tickets during the peak holiday season.
New Festive Routes Announced
The newly added special train pairs will connect several key locations to help commuters reach their destinations more easily. The routes include:
- Anand Vihar to Chhapra
- Mau to Anand Vihar
- Gorakhpur to Bandra
The introduction of these services is part of a massive nationwide effort. As of October 13, 2026, Indian Railways has notified a total of 8,454 special train trips to accommodate the festive rush.
Regional Railway Updates
Different railway zones have stepped up operations to ensure smooth travel across the country:
Northern Railway
Northern Railway has planned over 6,200 special trips, marking a 30% increase compared to the previous year. These services aim to facilitate travel between Delhi and major regions in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
South Eastern Railway
Special operations are being extended well into November and December. One notable service mentioned is the LTT Mumbai-Hatia Special, ensuring continued connectivity during the late festive period.
Western Railway
For those planning to travel on the new Bandra-Gorakhpur special service, Western Railway has confirmed that bookings are scheduled to commence on October 31, 2026.
Important Fare Information for Passengers
Passengers should be aware that these special-fare trains are designated with '0' series numbers. Because they are special services, certain fare rules apply:
- A surcharge of approximately 10% applies to second-class travel.
- A surcharge of approximately 30% applies to sleeper and AC classes.
- Note: No passenger concessions are applicable on these special trains.
Travelers are encouraged to verify real-time availability and specific timings through official railway portals as operations may be adjusted based on demand.