Diwali-Chhath Travel Alert: 12 Pairs of Special Trains to Run Through Bihar, Check Routes and Dates
Patna: With Diwali and Chhath Puja approaching, railway passengers travelling to and from Bihar can expect some relief from the usual festive-season rush. The East Central Railway has announced 12 pairs of special trains connecting Bihar with major cities including Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Kota and Sri Ganganagar.
Several of these special trains will pass through important stations in and around Patna, including Patna Junction, Pataliputra, Danapur, Ara and Buxar, giving passengers additional travel options during October and November.
Why Are These Special Trains Being Introduced?
Every year, the demand for train tickets increases sharply around Diwali and Chhath Puja, as people working or studying outside Bihar return home to celebrate the festivals with their families.
To handle the additional passenger demand and reduce pressure on regular trains, railway authorities have scheduled these special services during the festive period.
Mumbai and Pune Connectivity Gets a Major Boost
Passengers travelling between Bihar and Mumbai or Pune will have several additional options.
Lokmanya Tilak–Samastipur Special
Train 01043/01044 will operate between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Samastipur.
The service will run from October 13 to November 19, 2026, on scheduled days. The train will pass through important stations including Buxar, Ara, Danapur, Pataliputra, Sonpur, Hajipur and Muzaffarpur.
Lokmanya Tilak–Danapur Special
Train 01143/01144 will operate between Lokmanya Tilak and Danapur.
The service will run from October 9 to November 23, with daily services during the announced period. It will pass through stations including DDU, Buxar and Ara before reaching Danapur.
Raxaul–Lokmanya Tilak
Train 05557/05558 will operate between Raxaul and Lokmanya Tilak.
The service will run from October 6 to November 26 on scheduled days and will have a halt at Pataliputra, making it useful for passengers from north Bihar as well.
Saharsa–Lokmanya Tilak Special
Train 05585/05586 will provide another connection between Saharsa and Mumbai. The service will operate on specified days and will also stop at Pataliputra and other important stations.
Pune–Danapur Special
Train 01449/01450 will operate between Pune and Danapur during the festive period.
The Pune–Danapur service will run until November 30, while the return service from Danapur to Pune will continue until December 2. The train will pass through DDU, Buxar and Ara before reaching Danapur.
Muzaffarpur–Pune Special
Train 05589/05590 will connect Muzaffarpur with Hadapsar in Pune.
The Muzaffarpur–Hadapsar service will operate on Tuesdays from October 6 to November 24, while the return service will run on Thursdays until November 26. It will also pass through Pataliputra, Danapur, Ara and Buxar.
More Trains for Rajasthan, Gujarat and Other States
The special-train network isn't limited to Mumbai and Pune.
Ahmedabad–Darbhanga Special
Train 09465/09466 will connect Ahmedabad with Darbhanga.
The service will begin from October 16 on scheduled Fridays, with the return journey beginning October 19. The train will serve stations including Muzaffarpur and Samastipur.
Valsad–Danapur Special
Train
More Trains for Rajasthan, Gujarat and Other States
The special-train network isn't limited to Mumbai and Pune.
Ahmedabad–Darbhanga Special
Train 09465/09466 will connect Ahmedabad with Darbhanga.
The service will begin from October 16 on scheduled Fridays, with the return journey beginning October 19. The train will serve stations including Muzaffarpur and Samastipur.
Valsad–Danapur Special
Train 09025/09026 between Valsad and Danapur has been extended as a festival special and will operate until November 24. It will pass through DDU, Buxar and Ara before reaching Danapur.
Ajmer–Patna Special
Train 09601/09602 will connect Madar Junction near Ajmer with Patna.
The service will continue until November 26, providing another option for passengers travelling between Rajasthan and Bihar. The train will reach Patna via DDU, Buxar, Raghunathpur, Ara and Danapur.
Jodhpur–Danapur Special
Train 04813/04814 will connect Bhagat Ki Kothi near Jodhpur with Danapur.
The service will operate from October 7 to November 26 on scheduled days and will pass through DDU, Buxar and Ara.
Kota–Danapur Special
Train 09823/09824 will connect Sogaria in Kota with Danapur.
The service will begin on October 10 and operate during the festive period on scheduled days.
Sri Ganganagar–Samastipur Special
Train 04731/04732 will provide connectivity between Sri Ganganagar and Samastipur, operating on Sundays and Tuesdays during the announced period.
What This Means for Passengers in Patna
For passengers in Patna and nearby areas, the announcement is particularly useful because several special trains will operate through Pataliputra, Danapur, Ara and other major stations.
The additional services could provide more options for people travelling towards Mumbai, Pune, Rajasthan and Gujarat, particularly during the peak Diwali and Chhath travel period.
However, passengers should check the latest timetable, stoppages, ticket availability and running dates on official railway/IRCTC platforms before travelling, as special-train schedules can change.
Festive Travel Rush Likely to Remain High
With Diwali and Chhath being among the biggest travel periods for Bihar, demand for confirmed railway tickets is expected to remain high.
The introduction of these 12 pairs of special trains is aimed at providing additional capacity and reducing pressure on regular services. For passengers planning to travel home, booking early remains the safer option.
For Patna and Bihar, these special trains could provide much-needed additional connectivity during the festive season.
