The annual Diwali travel rush is a familiar challenge for millions. To ease the burden, Indian Railways has introduced a series of unreserved special trains on high-demand routes, offering much-needed relief for those travelling to Bihar.
The Annual Festive Scramble
Every year, the
festive season of Diwali and Chhath Puja sees one of the largest temporary migrations in India. People working and studying in major metropolitan hubs travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. This leads to an extraordinary surge in demand for train tickets, particularly on routes heading towards states like Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Waiting lists on regular trains often run into the hundreds, leaving many last-minute travellers in a difficult position. To manage this predictable yet massive rush, railway zones like Northern and Eastern Railway plan for additional services well in advance.
Railways' Timely Intervention
In response to the overwhelming demand, Indian Railways has announced a significant number of special train trips for the 2026 festive season, with some reports indicating a nearly 30% increase in services compared to last year. A key part of this strategy is the introduction of fully unreserved special trains. These services are a lifeline for passengers who couldn't secure a reserved berth and need a viable way to get home. Eastern Railway, for instance, has announced several pairs of unreserved specials connecting West Bengal's major hubs like Howrah and Sealdah with key destinations in Bihar.
Key Unreserved Routes to Bihar
Several unreserved special trains have been announced to connect cities like Kolkata, Chandigarh, and Delhi with Bihar. For instance, Eastern Railway is running multiple services between Howrah and Patna. Train No. 03033/03034 connects Howrah and Patna, stopping at stations like Asansol, Jasidih, and Kiul. Another pair, 03035/03036, operates on the same high-demand corridor. To serve passengers heading to other parts of the state, a Sealdah–Jaynagar special (03145/03146) will pass through Barauni, Samastipur, and Darbhanga. Similarly, special trains from Chandigarh to Patna and Barauni have been added to cater to the rush from the northern region.
Understanding 'Unreserved' Travel
For those unfamiliar, an unreserved train ticket allows you to board the train and travel in the general second-class coaches but does not guarantee you a seat. These tickets are ideal for spontaneous or last minute journeys. Passengers can purchase these tickets directly from counters at the railway station on the day of travel. In recent years, Indian Railways has also launched the UTS mobile app, which allows passengers to buy unreserved tickets digitally, saving them from long queues. The app offers both 'paperless' tickets, which can be shown on your phone, and 'paper' tickets, which require you to print a copy from a station kiosk.
Tips for a Smoother Journey
Travelling during the peak festive rush, even with extra trains, requires some planning. First and foremost, arrive at the station well in advance of your train's departure time, as platforms and ticket counters will be extremely crowded. If you are using the UTS app for the first time, it is wise to register and familiarise yourself with the booking process beforehand. Travel as light as possible to make navigating crowded stations and coaches easier. Always be aware of official announcements for platform changes or delays. Finally, keep your ticket, whether paper or digital, easily accessible for inspection by the TTE (Travelling Ticket Examiner).
