With Diwali around the corner, the annual rush to get home is in full swing. To manage the heavy passenger traffic, Indian Railways has announced several unreserved special trains to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, offering a lifeline for last-minute travelers.
A Lifeline for Festive Travel
Every year, millions travel from major cities to their hometowns to celebrate Diwali, leading to a massive rush on trains where reserved tickets are booked months in advance. To manage this demand, Indian Railways runs a series of 'unreserved special' trains. These trains are crucial for connecting hubs like Delhi with key destinations across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. They mostly consist of general seating coaches, allowing people to travel with a simple unreserved ticket purchased shortly before departure. This service is essential for ensuring that as many people as possible can make their festive journey home.
Important: A Note on Platform Numbers
While this guide provides official departure and arrival timings based on railway announcements, it is crucial for all passengers to remember that platform numbers are often subject to last-minute changes, especially during the festive rush. The most reliable source for your train's platform will always be the digital display boards and public announcements at the railway station on your day of travel. We strongly advise arriving at the station with extra time to verify the platform and avoid any last-minute confusion. Always confirm the platform number from official railway staff or display boards before boarding.
Key Unreserved Trains from Delhi/Anand Vihar
Northern Railway has notified a number of festival special trains connecting the national capital with high-demand destinations in Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. While specific unreserved train timings are released closer to the date and can be dynamic, routes announced for special services include New Delhi-Darbhanga, Anand Vihar-Saharsa, and Anand Vihar-Muzaffarpur. For example, a reserved special, the Anand Vihar-Sabour Special (04066), is scheduled to leave at 5:00 AM on several dates in early November. Passengers should check the 'UTS on Mobile' app and station announcements for unreserved train departures on these popular corridors.
Special Services from Lucknow Division
The Lucknow railway division is a critical transit point and has scheduled 50 pairs of festival special trains to manage the rush. These services connect the region with destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and various cities in Bihar. Key services passing through the division include the New Delhi–Barauni specials (02563/02564) and New Delhi–Darbhanga specials (02569/02570). As these are major routes for travelers heading to Bihar, passengers are advised to check the live status and unreserved coach availability for these trains.
New Services from Bengal to Bihar/UP
Recognizing the heavy traffic from West Bengal, Eastern Railway has also announced several unreserved special trains. These services connect Kolkata and Sealdah with destinations like Patna, Gorakhpur, Muzaffarpur, and Jaynagar. For instance, the Howrah–Patna unreserved special (03033) is scheduled to leave Howrah at 5:40 PM to reach Patna at 5:00 AM the next day. Another Howrah–Gorakhpur special (03037) departs Howrah at 11:45 PM, reaching Gorakhpur the following evening. These trains are composed almost entirely of general second–class coaches to accommodate the maximum number of passengers.
Tips for Smooth Travel in the Rush
Traveling in an unreserved coach during the Diwali rush requires patience and preparation. To make your journey smoother, consider these tips. First, use the 'UTS on Mobile' app to purchase your ticket, which helps you avoid long queues at station counters. Second, pack as lightly as possible, as space will be extremely limited. Third, carry your own water and snacks, as onboard availability may be scarce. Finally, be vigilant about your belongings and cooperate with railway personnel. Their arrangements, including extra staff and security, are in place to help manage the large crowds and ensure a safer journey for everyone.
