Rajasthan-West Bengal Special Trains for 2026 Festivals
Indian Railways is gearing up for a massive passenger surge during the upcoming 2026 festive season. To manage the heavy travel demand during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, the ministry has announced a significant expansion of special train services, specifically focusing on connectivity between Rajasthan and West Bengal.
Massive Scale of Festive Connectivity
To ensure smooth travel across the country, the railway network is planning to operate approximately 3.4 lakh regular trips during the festive period. As of October 13, 2026, a total of 8,454 special train trips have already been notified nationwide. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has previously indicated that over 12,000 special trains could be deployed to handle the heavy rush of passengers.
One of the key routes being facilitated is the connection between Rajasthan and West Bengal, building upon existing services like the Khatipura–Howrah route (Train Nos. 09709/09710).
Eastern Railway Boosts Services
The Eastern Railway is taking a proactive role in managing the festive influx. Under the guidance of Chief Public Relations Officer Shibram Majhi, the zone has confirmed 1,354 special train trips scheduled between October 1 and November 30, 2026. This represents a 12.08% increase in special services compared to the previous year.
Of these, 464 special trips are specifically dedicated to serving various routes within West Bengal, ensuring that major hubs remain well-connected. Key destinations include:
- Howrah
- Kolkata
- Sealdah
- Santragachi
- Shalimar
- Malda Town
- Asansol
Important Fare and Booking Information
Passengers planning to travel on these special services should be aware of specific fare structures. These special-fare trains are often identified by a 0-prefix in their train number. Please note the following regarding ticket pricing:
- Second Class: Approximately a 10% surcharge applies.
- Sleeper and AC Classes: Approximately a 30% surcharge applies.
- Concessions: No concessions are applicable on these special services.
For unreserved travel, tickets can be obtained through the UTS mobile application or at railway booking counters. To stay updated on real-time schedules and service status, travelers are encouraged to use the NTES app or the official Indian Railways enquiry portal.