South Eastern Railway Special Trains for Ekta Parade 2026
South Eastern Railway announces special trains between Pratapnagar and Santragachi for Ekta Parade 2026. Check schedules and routes here.
To manage the massive surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Ekta Parade 2026, South Eastern Railway has announced the operation of several special train services. These trains are specifically designed to provide seamless connectivity for travelers heading to the celebrations, particularly between Pratapnagar and Santragachi.
Special Train Schedule and Key Stoppages
The railway administration has outlined a specific schedule to ensure commuters can reach the event venues without hassle. The special services include:
- Train Number 09165: This service is scheduled to depart from Pratapnagar on November 2, 2026.
- Train Number 09166: The return journey will depart from Santragachi on November 4, 2026.
- Train Number 02833: A special train slated to leave Pratapnagar on November 2, 2026, reaching its destination the following day.
These trains will serve the Kolhan region with confirmed stoppages at Jharsuguda, Rourkela, Chakradharpur, Tatanagar, and Kharagpur, making them highly convenient for regional travelers.
Celebrating Ekta Parade and Bharat Parv
The Ekta Parade, held in observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, is expected to be a massive gathering, with approximately 10,000 participants anticipated to attend various cultural programs. This event coincides with the Bharat Parv celebrations, which are scheduled to run from November 1 to November 15, 2026.
New Express Service and Festive Extensions
In a significant boost to long-distance connectivity, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently inaugurated the Jaipur (Khatipura)-Tatanagar-Santragachi Express. This new service is set to begin its regular operations on November 4, 2026.
Additionally, to accommodate the heavy rush during the festive season, South Eastern Railway has extended the operational period of six other special trains through November and December to assist commuters during Diwali and Chhath.
Important Travel Alert: Train Cancellations
While new services are being introduced, passengers should plan their journeys carefully due to ongoing infrastructure improvements. Because of developmental works being carried out on the Bagdehi-Jharsuguda rail section within the Chakradharpur railway division, several services have been impacted.
A total of 14 trains passing through the Tatanagar and Rourkela routes have been temporarily canceled from October 31 to November 5, 2026. Travelers are strongly advised to verify their train status before commencing their journey.