The annual festive rush is here, and Indian Railways is rolling out special unreserved trains to manage the crowds. For those heading home to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for Diwali, these services are a lifeline. Here's what you need to know.
Navigating the Festive Rush
Every year, the
period around Diwali and Chhath Puja sees a massive surge in travel as millions journey home to celebrate with family. This year, with Diwali falling on November 8, 2026, the rush is expected to be immense. Regular train services are often booked out months in advance, leaving many passengers scrambling for last-minute options. To ease this pressure, Indian Railways has announced a series of unreserved special trains, specifically targeting the high-demand corridors from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata towards Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. These '0-series' trains provide crucial extra capacity, allowing more people to travel comfortably and affordably.
From Delhi NCR to UP and Bihar
Northern Railway is at the forefront of managing the exodus from the national capital region. Thousands of special train trips are planned to connect New Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, and Delhi Junction with key destinations. These services cater to passengers travelling to Patna, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, and Ayodhya. Key routes include the popular Delhi-Patna corridor, which even features a special Vande Bharat service, Shakurbasti-Darbhanga, and services from Anand Vihar to Sabour. Passengers should note that timings for several regular trains arriving in Delhi have also been adjusted to streamline traffic during this period.
Eastern Railway's Unreserved Specials
For those travelling from West Bengal, Eastern Railway has announced several fully unreserved trains, which means passengers can buy tickets at the station counter without needing a prior reservation. These services are a significant relief for last-minute travelers. Key unreserved routes include Sealdah to Jaynagar (03137/03138), Sealdah to Ballia (03139/03140), and Kolkata to Gorakhpur (03141/03142). These trains will run on specific dates in mid-November and are composed primarily of general second-class coaches. Additionally, five more pairs of unreserved trains will connect Howrah and Sealdah with destinations like Patna, Muzaffarpur and Gorakhpur.
Connecting Mumbai, Pune, and Chandigarh
The travel rush isn't limited to Delhi. Central Railway is operating daily special trains from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) to Gorakhpur, Banaras, and Mau. For instance, train 01079 will run daily from CSMT to Gorakhpur between October 16 and November 16. Similarly, a daily service from Hadapsar (Pune) to Gorakhpur has been introduced to cater to the festive demand. From the north, special services from Chandigarh to Patna, Varanasi, and Barauni will also be operational, providing vital links for people in Punjab and surrounding areas to travel home to Bihar and UP.
Tips for Hassle-Free Travel
Travelling on these special trains requires some planning. Since many are 'unreserved', it's wise to arrive at the station with ample time to purchase your ticket and find a spot. For the services that offer booking, tickets are often released 10 to 30 days before departure and get sold out quickly. Always check the official IRCTC website or app for the most accurate and upstodate information on train schedules, platform numbers, and booking availability. These special trains often have a '0' prefix in their number and may carry a special fare surcharge. Be prepared for crowded conditions and travel with patience, keeping your belongings safe.
