Railways Announces Special Trains Between Ayodhya, Varanasi, Delhi and Danapur to Clear Rush
The Indian Railways has announced a series of special trains on key routes to accommodate passengers and clear the additional rush during the upcoming days. The special services will connect Ayodhya Cantt and Varanasi with Anand Vihar Terminal, while a separate special train will operate between New Delhi and Danapur.
The services include reserved special express trains with AC, sleeper and general-class accommodation, depending on the route. Passengers have been advised to check the latest timings and operational updates through NTES or by dialling 139.
Ayodhya Cantt–Anand Vihar Special Express
Train numbers 04213/04214 will operate between Ayodhya Cantt and Anand Vihar Terminal as a reserved special express service.
Train 04213 will depart from Ayodhya Cantt at 6:20 pm on September 3, 2026, and reach Anand Vihar Terminal at 6:10 am on September 4.
On the return journey, train 04214 will leave Anand Vihar Terminal at 8:20 am on September 4 and reach Ayodhya Cantt at 9:35 pm.
The train will stop at major stations including Barabanki, Lucknow, Bareilly, Moradabad, Hapur and Ghaziabad. At Lucknow, the outbound train will arrive at 8:45 pm and depart at 8:55 pm, while the return service will arrive at 5:40 pm and depart at 5:50 pm.
The service will have AC and general-class coaches, giving passengers additional options during the rush period.
Varanasi–Anand Vihar Special Express
Another reserved special express will operate between Varanasi and Anand Vihar Terminal under train numbers 04217/04218.
Train 04217 will depart from Varanasi at 3:40 pm on September 3 and reach Anand Vihar Terminal at 7:10 am on September 4.
The return service, train 04218, will depart from Anand Vihar Terminal at 8:30 am on September 4 and arrive at Varanasi at 12:25 am.
The train will provide connectivity through important stations including Maa Belha Devi Dham Pratapgarh, Rae Bareli Junction, Lucknow, Bareilly, Moradabad, Hapur and Ghaziabad.
At Lucknow, train 04217 is scheduled to arrive at 8:55 pm and depart at 9:05 pm, while the return train will arrive at 6:30 pm and depart at 6:40 pm.
The Varanasi–Anand Vihar special will also have AC and general-class accommodation.
New Delhi–Danapur Special Express
Railways will also run a longer-duration special service between New Delhi and Danapur to cater to increased passenger demand.
Train numbers 04090/04089 will operate for four trips in each direction. The New Delhi-bound service will run from September 4 to September 25, while the Danapur-bound return service will operate from September 5 to September 26.
Train 04090 will run from New Delhi to Danapur on Fridays, while train 04089 will operate from Danapur to New Delhi on Saturdays.
The train will depart New Delhi at 11:30 pm and reach Danapur at 3:00 pm the following day. On the return journey, train 04089 will depart Danapur at 4:40 pm and reach New Delhi at 9:45 am the next morning.
Major stoppages on the route include Delhi Junction, Ghaziabad, Aligarh Junction, Tundla Junction, Govindpuri, Prayagraj Junction, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Buxar and Ara.
Unlike the two shorter special services, the New Delhi–Danapur train will comprise AC, sleeper and general coaches, providing additional capacity across different passenger categories.
Railways has advised passengers to verify the latest running status, platform information and any changes in timings through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or railway helpline 139 before beginning their journey.
