Indian Railways has announced a series of unreserved special trains to manage the immense passenger rush for Diwali and Chhath Puja. This move provides a critical lifeline for travellers heading to high-demand destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Why These Trains Are Essential
Every year, the festive season witnesses a massive migration of people travelling from major metropolitan hubs back to their hometowns to celebrate with family. The demand for train tickets to states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar skyrockets, leaving many without confirmed seats on regular services. Recognizing this challenge, various railway zones, including Northern and Eastern Railway, have scheduled these special services. The 'unreserved' nature of these trains is specifically designed to accommodate last-minute travellers and those on waitlists, ensuring more people can make it home for the festivities, even without a prior reservation.
What 'Unreserved' Means for Passengers
Unlike reserved trains where you need a pre-booked ticket for a specific seat or berth, these special trains consist primarily of General Second Class coaches. Passengers can buy a ticket for their journey from the station's booking counters or through the UTS mobile app just before travel. While this offers tremendous flexibility, it's important for travellers to be prepared for crowded conditions. These services are a practical solution to overwhelming demand but comfort can be a compromise. Arriving at the station well in advance is highly recommended to navigate the crowds and board the train safely.
Key Unreserved Routes from Eastern Railway
Eastern Railway has been proactive in announcing several key unreserved services originating from Kolkata and Sealdah to manage the rush towards Bihar and UP. Notable services include the Sealdah-Jaynagar Special (03137/03138), the Sealdah-Ballia Special (03139/03140), and the Kolkata-Gorakhpur Special (03141/03142). These trains are scheduled to run on specific dates in November. For instance, the Sealdah-Jaynagar service departs on November 13, and the Kolkata-Gorakhpur special also leaves the same day. Additionally, five pairs of unreserved specials connect Howrah and Sealdah with destinations like Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Gorakhpur.
Services from Northern Railway
Northern Railway has also ramped up its services significantly, increasing special train trips by about 30% compared to last year to handle the festive demand from Delhi and surrounding regions. A large number of these services connect the national capital with key destinations across UP and Bihar, including Patna, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Varanasi, and Ayodhya Cantt. Trains like the Anand Vihar-Muzaffarpur Superfast and specials from Chandigarh and Firozpur Cantt to Patna aim to serve the lakhs of workers and students returning home. While many of these are reserved specials, they often include general unreserved coaches to accommodate more passengers.
Tips for a Smoother Journey
Travelling during the peak festive season, especially in unreserved coaches, requires some planning. Passengers are strongly advised to arrive at the station at least an hour before departure. To avoid long queues, use the UTS app for purchasing unreserved tickets where possible. Travel with minimal luggage to make boarding and movement within the crowded coaches easier. Always keep an eye on your belongings. Since special trains can sometimes face delays due to network congestion, use the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app to track the live running status of your train and check for any platform changes.
