Festival Special Trains Added
Indian Railways announces extensive festival special train services across India for the 2026 travel season.
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Key Points
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The Delhi Sarai Rohilla–Ashoknagar special was arranged specifically for passenger and devotee traffic associated with Anandpur Trust’s gathering marking the 100th birth anniversary of Shri 108 Guru Maharaj.
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The 24-coach Ashoknagar special will comprise one third-AC coach, two sleeper coaches, 19 general-class coaches and two SLR coaches, meaning most of its added capacity will be in non-AC accommodation.
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North Central Railway changed the terminal of the Prayagraj–Gandhigram special from Gandhigram to Sabarmati for operational reasons; the service will now operate under train numbers 04179/04180, with its existing timings and stoppages between Fatehpur and Mahesana retained.
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The Prayagraj–Sabarmati and Subedarganj–Indore special pairs will each receive 17 additional trips in both directions during their respective operating periods.
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The extended Ranchi–Anand Vihar service will connect the Delhi-NCR region with a broad chain of stations across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, including Tundla, Govindpuri, Mirzapur, Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Sasaram, Daltonganj, Latehar, Lohardaga and Ranchi.
Indian Railways is launching or extending over 100 special train services across the country to handle the rush of travelers during the 2026 festive season. Swarajya reports the new routes and extended services will run between October and December, targeting major holidays including Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath. Eastern, South Eastern, North Central and Southern Railway zones are all adding capacity to popular routes.
The push comes as Indian Railways seeks to ease congestion on key travel corridors. A 24-coach special between Delhi Sarai Rohilla and Ashoknagar will run on September 17 and 21 to serve an Anandpur Trust anniversary gathering. Most capacity will be in general and sleeper coaches, offering affordable travel options for budget-conscious passengers.
Eastern Railways Adds Puja Routes From Kolkata
Eastern and South Eastern Railway will operate Puja special trains from Kolkata and nearby stations to ease festival travel. According to Swarajya, services run to North Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and the coastal resort town of Digha. These routes target the surge in passengers traveling home during the Durga Puja and Chhath festival season.
North Central Railway Expands 13 Routes Across Central India
North Central Railway is adding trips on 13 routes linking major cities across the region. Swarajya reports the Prayagraj–Sabarmati and Subedarganj–Indore special pairs will each receive 17 additional trips in both directions. Routes now connect Prayagraj, Kanpur, Agra and Jhansi with destinations in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
The Prayagraj–Gandhigram special has been rerouted to Sabarmati for operational reasons. It now operates under train numbers 04179/04180, keeping existing timings and stops between Fatehpur and Mahesana. This change helps improve scheduling and reduce bottlenecks on heavily used corridors.
Delhi-NCR Connected to Broad Network via Ranchi Service
The extended Ranchi–Anand Vihar special connects the Delhi-NCR region with a wide chain of stations across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. Swarajya notes stops include Tundla, Govindpuri, Mirzapur, Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Sasaram, Daltonganj, Latehar and Lohardaga. Services will continue through fall and into December on select routes, addressing demand from passengers traveling to and from the northeast.
Delhi-Ashoknagar Special Serves Anandpur Trust Gathering
A 24-coach special between Delhi Sarai Rohilla and Ashoknagar will run on September 17 and 21. Swarajya reports the train was arranged for passengers and devotees attending Anandpur Trust's 100th birth anniversary celebration of Shri 108 Guru Maharaj. The service makes stops at Faridabad, Mathura, Gangapur City, Sogaria and Guna.
The 24-coach consists of one third-AC coach, two sleeper coaches, 19 general-class coaches and two SLR coaches. This composition prioritizes affordable seating. General and sleeper coaches make up nearly 90 percent of capacity, targeting middle and budget travelers attending the religious gathering.
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