Indian Railways Launches Over 150 Special Trains for Diwali and Chhath Travel

Starting from January 1, 2027, 18 trains will cease to have superfast status, transitioning to the category of ordinary express trains. Among these consists are 'Purnagiri Jan Shatabdi', 'Saptkranti', and 'Shramjivi Express'. Furthermore, the numbers of these trains will be changed.

The elimination of the superfast status will mean that passengers will no longer have to pay an additional surcharge, and ticket prices will decrease. This decision was made after an analysis conducted in accordance with the rules of the Railway Council.

According to the Railway Council regulations, for a train to receive superfast status, its average speed must be at least 55 kilometers per hour. This speed is calculated by dividing the total distance by the total travel time, considering the average speed in both the direction of travel and the return journey. During the inspection by the Railway Service, it was found that the average speed of these trains did not meet the established standards, leading to the decision to reclassify them as ordinary expresses.

After the change in status for trains previously holding superfast status, the Superfast Surcharge, which was charged to passengers in addition to the ticket price, will be abolished. Passengers will receive financial benefits depending on the class of service: a discount of 30 rupees in sleeper coaches, 45 rupees in Third AC, Third AC Economy, Second AC, and AC Chair Car classes, and up to 75 rupees in First AC and Executive Class. Thus, when purchasing tickets, passengers will have to pay less than before.

The Railway Service conducts an annual review of schedules and train arrival times, assessing their punctuality and average speed. Based on this data, it is determined which trains will retain superfast status and which will be classified as ordinary expresses. According to officials, a train's speed can decrease due to increased stops on the route, increased traffic on the line, or other operational factors, leading to constant delays and an inability to meet the average speed standard for a superfast train.

A table has been compiled with details for the 18 trains whose category will change. It specifies the route number, the old and new train number. For example, the Tankapur – Delhi Junction route now has the number 15317, and the return route is 15318. The numbers for trains between Dehradun – Katgodam, Muradabad – Ramnagar, Islampur – New Delhi, Darbhanga – Jalandhar City, Patliputra – Chandigarh, and others have also changed.

The change in train numbers requires special attention from passengers traveling between Delhi, Bihar, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. Specifically, on the routes Tankapur-Delhi, Dehradun-Katgodam, Muzaffarpur-Anand Vihar, and Rajgir-New Delhi, the train numbers will change. Passengers using these routes should be sure to check the new train number when booking tickets after January 1, 2027, to avoid issues with searching or planning their trip.

There is good news for passengers traveling home during the Diwali and Chhath festivals. Considering the increasing congestion on trains and difficulties in obtaining confirmed tickets during the festive period, the railway company has announced the launch of three additional pairs and special trains.

These special trains will facilitate travel for passengers from Delhi to the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Additionally, a special service will be launched between Gorakhpur and Mumbai.

According to Dr. Shivama Sharma, Chief Public Relations Specialist of the Central Railway Directorate of Uttar Madhya, these special trains will operate to accommodate the increased passenger flow during the Diwali and Chhath festivals. The railway company strongly recommends that passengers check the current status of the train before starting their journey via the official website, NTES, or the railway helpline.

1. Anand Vihar Terminal - Chhapra Special Train

Train number 04058 will run five trips between Anand Vihar Terminal and Chhapra from November 3 to November 17, 2026. The return journey will be operated by train number 04057 from Chhapra to Anand Vihar Terminal.

Departure time from Anand Vihar: The train will depart from Anand Vihar Terminal at 00:20 AM. It will pass through Tundla, Govindpuri, and Junction Prayagraj, moving via Prayagraj Rambagh. Key stops and timings are as follows: Tundla Junction (03:50–03:52), Govindpuri (07:20–07:25), Junction Prayagraj (10:35–10:40), Gyanpur Road (11:43–11:45), Varanasi (13:15–13:25), Sarnath (13:55–13:57), Junction Audihar (14:28–14:30), Gajipur City (15:35–15:45), Baliya (17:10–17:12), and Suremanpur (17:50–17:52), arriving in Chhapra at 19:20.

The return journey (train 04057) from Chhapra departs at 22:10. It will stop at Suremanpur (22:48–22:50), Baliya (23:53–23:55), Gajipur City (01:15–01:25), Varanasi (03:35–03:45), Junction Prayagraj (05:55–06:00), Govindpuri (08:50–08:55), Tundla Junction (12:10–12:12), arriving at Anand Vihar Terminal at 17:20.

2. Mau - Anand Vihar Terminal Special Train

Train number 05087 will run from Mau, and train number 05088 will run back from Anand Vihar Terminal. Train 05087 will make two trips on November 3 and 10. Train 05088 will operate on November 4 and 11.

The train from Mau departs at 22:30. It will stop at Muhammadabad, Azamgarh, Horasan Road, Shahganj, Jaunpur, Janghai, Prayag, and Junction Prayagraj. It will then pass through Govindpuri, Tundla, and Ghaziabad, arriving at Anand Vihar Terminal at 17:00 the next day. Key stops include: Azamgarh (23:25–23:30), Shahganj (01:10–01:15), Jaunpur Junction (01:53–01:55), Junction Prayagraj (05:40–05:45), Govindpuri (08:40–08:45), Tundla Junction (11:58–12:00), and Ghaziabad (16:21–16:23), arriving at Anand Vihar Terminal at 17:00.

The return train (05088) departs from Anand Vihar Terminal at 19:15. It will pass through Ghaziabad, Tundla, Govindpuri, Prayagraj, Janghai, Jaunpur, Shahganj, and Azamgarh, reaching Mau at 14:00 the next day. Key stops: Ghaziabad (16:21–16:23), Tundla (11:58–12:00), Govindpuri (08:40–08:45), Junction Prayagraj (05:40–05:45), Janghai (01:53–01:55), Jaunpur (01:10–01:15), Shahganj (23:25–23:30), arriving at Mau at 14:00.

3. Weekly Special Train Gorakhpur - Bandra Terminus

Train number 05091 will run from Gorakhpur, and train number 05092 will run back from Bandra Terminus. Train 05091 will make two trips on November 9 and 16. Train 05092 will operate on November 11 and 18.

The train from Gorakhpur departs from Gorakhpur Junction at 21:55. It will stop at Basti, Gonda, Badshahnagar, Ayushbagh, Kanpur Central, Tundla, Agra, Gangapur City, Kota, Ratlam, Vadodara, and Surat. It will then arrive at Bandra Terminus at 12:00 on Wednesday. Key stops: Basti (23:20–23:22), Gonda Junction (01:10–01:15), Ayushbagh (04:50–05:00), Kanpur Central (07:20–07:25), Tundla Junction (11:30–11:35), Junction Kota (18:15–18:20), Junction Ratlam (22:25–22:30), Junction Vadodara (04:10–04:15), and Surat (06:40–06:45), arriving at Bandra Terminus at 12:00.

The return train (05092) departs from Bandra Terminus at 13:45 on Wednesday. It will pass through Borivali, Vapi, Surat, Vadodara, Ratlam, Kota, Gangapur City, Agra, Tundla, Kanpur, Ayushbagh, Badshahnagar, Gonda, and Basti, reaching Gorakhpur at 23:55 on Thursday. Key stops: Borivali, Vapi, Surat (06:40–06:45), Vadodara (04:10–04:15), Ratlam (22:25–22:30), Junction Kota (18:15–18:20), Gangapur City (11:30–11:35), Agra (11:30–11:35), Tundla (11:30–11:35), Kanpur (07:20–07:25), Ayushbagh (04:50–05:00), Badshahnagar (01:10–01:15), Gonda (01:10–01:15), arriving at Gorakhpur at 23:55.

Important to Check Train Status Before Traveling

The railway company urges passengers to check the current information about the respective train, including availability and schedule, through the official website, NTES, or the railway helpline before starting the journey. Given the increased load during the festive period, it is crucial to confirm the operating dates and stops of the train before booking tickets.

Due to the large number of passengers during the festivals of Chhath Puja and Diwali, Paschim Railway has decided to launch several special trains. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that people living in different parts of the country can reach their homes without problems and celebrate the festivals with their families.

The preparations made by Paschim Railway to ensure an easy, safe, and comfortable journey during the holidays are visible on the ground. Many residents of Bihar work in the city of Surat, Gujarat, and now wish to return home for the festival.

A special train was launched from the industrial city of Surat (Udhana) to Madhubani for the residents of Bihar. Passengers on this train looked very relaxed. All passengers managed to find a comfortable seat. There was no chaos or crowd inside the train, and the number of passengers matched the number of seats.

Passengers looked excited about the opportunity to celebrate the festival among relatives. Smiles on the faces of the passengers in the carriages testify to the great support provided by the railway's special train. Despite the long journey, passengers feel very comfortable thanks to the organized conditions, cleanliness, and safety measures provided on the train.

Some passengers noted that obtaining a confirmed ticket during the festive season is a serious problem, but the launch of special trains alleviated this concern. Now they can travel home without stress and celebrate major festivals such as Chhath Puja and Diwali with loved ones.

Paschim Railway took reliable measures to guide passengers and manage crowds, especially at busy terminals like Udhana, Surat, and Ahmedabad. Additional security forces, consultation points, digital information boards, and special provisions for drinking water and hygiene were organized so that no passenger would face inconvenience.

Paschim Railway appealed to passengers to plan their journeys in advance and enjoy a safe and pleasant trip by following the instructions issued by the railway.