Easing the Festive Rush
Every year, the festive season of Diwali and Chhath Puja sees a massive surge in passengers travelling from major cities to their hometowns in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Finding a confirmed train ticket becomes a significant challenge for millions. To address
this, Indian Railways has announced a robust schedule of special train services for October and November 2026. This includes thousands of extra train trips, with a significant number of unreserved trains specifically aimed at accommodating last-minute travelers and those unable to secure reserved berths. Bihar, being a state with high passenger traffic during this period, is a primary focus for these special services.
What 'Unreserved Special' Means for You
Unreserved trains are a lifeline during the festive peak. Unlike reserved trains where you need to book a specific seat or berth weeks or months in advance, tickets for these special trains can be purchased at the station counters shortly before departure. These trains primarily consist of General Second Class coaches, designed to carry a higher volume of passengers. This 'buy and board' system is ideal for those with flexible travel plans or who decide to travel closer to the festival dates. It’s a practical solution aimed directly at clearing the extra rush that regular services cannot handle.
Key Unreserved Routes to Bihar
Eastern Railway has recently announced several key unreserved services connecting West Bengal with popular destinations in Bihar. These trains are scheduled to run on specific dates in November to cater to the peak Diwali and Chhath demand. Key routes include: Sealdah to Jaynagar (03137/03138), which will depart Sealdah on November 13. Another service connects Howrah to Patna (03033/03034), providing a direct link between the two major cities. A second Howrah-Patna service (03035/03036) will also be operational. Additionally, services like Howrah to Muzaffarpur (03039/03040) and Sealdah to Jaynagar (03145/03146) will cater to passengers travelling to North Bihar. These trains typically feature 18 or more general second-class coaches to maximize capacity.
Connecting Delhi and Punjab to Bihar
Northern Railway has also planned an extensive schedule of festival special trains from Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, and cities in Punjab. These services will connect the national capital region with highndemand destinations like Patna, Darbhanga, Supaul, Saharsa, and Muzaffarpur throughout October and November. While many of these are mixedndclass trains with reserved coaches, they also include general unreserved (GS) coaches. Some notable services include the New Delhi–Supaul Daily Special (04072/04071) and the New Delhi–Darbhanga Special (04012/04011), which operate multiple trips during the festive period. From Anand Vihar Terminal, special trains to Patna (04078/04077) and Jaynagar (04066/04065) will also help manage the flow of passengers.
Tips for Traveling on Unreserved Trains
Traveling on an unreserved train during the festive season requires some preparation. Since these trains can be very crowded, it's advisable to arrive at the station well in advance to purchase your ticket from the UTS counters and find a spot on the platform. Travel light if possible, as overhead luggage space will be limited. Keep your valuables secure and be mindful of your belongings throughout the journey. Since these are longndhaul trips, carrying water and some snacks is a good idea. Passengers can check for detailed schedules, including all stoppages, on the official Indian Railways website or the NTES app before planning their journey. This will ensure you have the most accurate and upndto date information for your trip.
