9 Puja Special Trains to Run This November: Check Routes & Timings
Indian Railways to run 9 Puja special trains from Nov 14 to 21, 2026, covering routes across Bihar, UP, and more. Check schedules and fares here.
To tackle the massive festive rush, Indian Railways has announced the operation of nine Puja special trains. These services, managed by the Western Railway and East Central Railway zones, are scheduled to run between November 14 and November 21, 2026, to help passengers travel home during the celebrations.
Widespread Connectivity Across India
The special train services aim to provide essential connectivity for travelers across several states. The routes will facilitate movement through:
- Gujarat and Maharashtra
- Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar and Madhya Pradesh
- Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu
Bilaspur–Chhapra Special Service Details
A major highlight of this announcement is the Bilaspur–Chhapra special (08255/08256). This service has been confirmed for specific dates to accommodate the holiday surge:
- From Bilaspur to Chhapra: Operating on November 14 and November 21.
- From Chhapra to Bilaspur: Operating on November 15 and November 22.
This specific route will provide stops at several key stations, including:
- Pendra Road, Anuppur, Shahdol, and Umaria
- Katni, Maihar, Satna, and Manikpur
- Prayagraj Chheoki, Varanasi, Jaunpur, and Aunrihar
- Ghazipur City and Ballia
Special Fares and Station Crowd Management
Passengers should be aware that these services often operate under 'Train on Special Fare' (TOSF) regulations. This means that a surcharge, ranging from 10% to 30% above the standard base fare, may be applied to these tickets.
To manage the expected heavy footfall and ensure passenger safety, Indian Railways has implemented several strict measures at stations:
- AI-Based Monitoring: Advanced technology is being used for enhanced crowd control.
- Platform Ticket Restrictions: There will be a temporary suspension of platform ticket sales at various locations through November 15 to prevent overcrowding.
Travelers are strongly advised to verify real-time departure schedules, seat availability, and specific route updates via the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or the official Indian Railways website prior to their journey.