WCR Special Trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja Rush
To manage the massive surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities, West Central Railway (WCR) has announced a series of special train services. This initiative is part of a massive nationwide effort by Indian Railways, which aims to operate over 12,000 special trains to handle the holiday rush. Operations within the Bhopal division are set to commence on October 12, 2026.
Key Special Train Schedules and Routes
The special services are scheduled to run throughout October and November 2026, providing much-needed relief to commuters. Here are the primary highlights of the special train operations:
- Rani Kamalapati - Danapur Special (01667/01668): This service will complete 11 round trips between October 12 and November 17, 2026.
- Sogaria - Danapur Express (09823/09824): Scheduled to run 6 round trips from October 10 to November 16, 2026.
- Rewa - Rani Kamalapati Service: This will operate 4 round trips starting from October 17, 2026.
- Rewa - Dr. Ambedkar Nagar Puja Special (01703/01704): This service will run 5 round trips, concluding on October 26, 2026.
- Katni - Satna Unreserved Special (09015/09016): To assist local commuters, these unreserved trains will operate daily from October 10 to October 22, 2026.
Major Destinations Covered
These special services are designed to connect key hubs, primarily benefiting travelers heading toward the following locations:
- Danapur and Hazrat Nizamuddin
- Haridwar and Gorakhpur
- Rani Kamalapati and Dr. Ambedkar Nagar
- Rewa, Sogaria, and Jabalpur
- Bhopal, Itarsi, Vidisha, and Sagar
- Pune and Mumbai
Festive Discounts and Increased Capacity
In a significant move for budget-conscious travelers, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that passengers are eligible for a 20% discount on return tickets. To avail of this offer, the following conditions apply:
- The outbound journey must be scheduled between October 13 and October 26.
- The return journey must be scheduled between November 17 and December 1.
Furthermore, to address the high demand for seating, Indian Railways has taken steps to increase capacity by adding extra general coaches to existing regular trains. This ensures that even those without confirmed reservations have better access to travel during the peak festive season.
How to Book Your Tickets
Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance to avoid the last-minute rush. Tickets for these special services can be booked through the official IRCTC website or at any authorized railway reservation counters.