The annual festive rush is here, with millions travelling for Diwali and the upcoming Chhath Puja. To manage the demand, Indian Railways has rolled out a series of unreserved special trains, especially for high-traffic routes to UP and Bihar.
Understanding the Festive Rush
Every year,
the period around Diwali and Chhath Puja sees an unprecedented surge in passenger traffic. People working in metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata travel back to their hometowns, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Regular trains are often booked solid months in advance, leaving many scrambling for a way home. To address this, various zones of Indian Railways, including Northern and Eastern Railway, introduce 'Festival Special' trains. These temporary services are designed specifically to clear the extra rush and provide much-needed capacity on the busiest corridors. This year, a significant number of these are 'unreserved' services, catering to last-minute travellers.
What 'Unreserved Special Train' Means
For many passengers, the term 'unreserved' can be confusing. Unlike regular express trains where you book a specific seat or berth, an unreserved ticket allows you to board the designated general compartment coaches. There is no seat guarantee; travel is on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets for these special trains are typically sold at station counters and can sometimes be booked via the UTS mobile app. It is important to note that a general ticket for a regular train is not valid on these special services; you must purchase a specific ticket for the special train, which may have a slightly higher fare. These trains are a lifeline for those without a confirmed reserved ticket, offering a means to get home during the peak season.
Key Train Services From Major Cities
Railways have announced several services connecting major cities to destinations in UP and Bihar. As of early November, Eastern Railway has notified multiple unreserved specials from Kolkata and Sealdah. For instance, services like the Sealdah-Jaynagar Special (03137/03138) and Kolkata-Gorakhpur Special (03141/03142) are scheduled to run on specific dates in November to cater to Chhath Puja travellers. Similarly, Northern Railway has planned thousands of special train trips, with key routes including Delhi-Patna, Anand Vihar-Chhapra, and New Delhi-Gorakhpur. While some of these are fully reserved services like the special Vande Bharat trains, many include a significant number of general coaches to accommodate unreserved passengers.
Planning Your Return Journey
Just as important as reaching home is the journey back after the festivities. Railways plan for this reverse rush as well. Return services for most special trains are announced along with their initial schedule. For example, the Howrah-Patna special (03034) and the Gorakhpur-Kolkata special (03142) have designated return trips in mid-November. Similarly, special trains from stations like Danapur, Patna, Gorakhpur, and Chhapra back to Delhi, Anand Vihar, and Mumbai are also operational. Passengers are advised to check the return dates carefully. Since these are also highndemand services, planning the return trip in advance, even for unreserved travel, can save a lot of hassle.
Tips for a Safe and Smooth Journey
Travelling in unreserved coaches during the festive season requires patience and preparation. Arrive at the station well in advance, as ticket counters and platforms will be extremely crowded. Pack light, but ensure you have essentials like water and some food, as boarding and disembarking can take time. Safeguard your belongings at all times. If travelling with family or in a group, try to stick together. Use the official 'Rail Madad' app or helpline number 139 for any assistance or emergencies during your journey. Always verify the train's platform number from the enquiry office or digital display boards before rushing towards a platform.
