Indian Railways Extends Special Train Services for Diwali and Chhath Festivals

The extended services will benefit passengers travelling between southern India, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. The special trains will operate on selected dates in November and early December 2026, depending on the route and direction of travel.

The additional trips are expected to help accommodate increased demand on long-distance routes, particularly those connecting major industrial and commercial centres with destinations in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Indian Railways regularly operates special trains during major festivals to facilitate passenger movement and reduce pressure on regular services.

According to the announced schedule, additional trips have been planned for four pairs of special trains: Ponneri Junction–Barauni, two Udhna–Jaynagar services, and Bandra Terminus–Gorakhpur. Passengers are advised to check the dates and timings before planning their journeys.

Ponneri Junction–Barauni Special Train Extended Until December

Indian Railways has extended the operation of train numbers 06021/06022 Ponneri Junction–Barauni Special to meet the additional travel demand during the festive season.

Train number 06021 Ponneri Junction (PTJ)–Barauni (BJU) Special operates every Sunday. The service was originally scheduled to run until November 1, 2026. Its operation has now been extended, with additional trips scheduled from November 8 to November 29, 2026.

Under the revised schedule, the train will operate on four additional Sundays: November 8, 15, 22 and 29.

In the return direction, train number 06022 Barauni (BJU)–Ponneri Junction (PTJ) Special operates every Wednesday. Its earlier schedule was due to end on November 4, 2026. The service has now been extended, with four additional trips scheduled between November 11 and December 2, 2026.

The return services will operate on November 11, 18 and 25, followed by December 2, 2026.

The extension is expected to provide additional travel opportunities for passengers travelling between southern India and Bihar. The route connects destinations in different regions of the country and can serve passengers travelling for family visits and other purposes during the festive period.

The four additional trips in each direction will help maintain connectivity beyond the original operating period.

Two Udhna–Jaynagar Special Trains to Operate Additional Trips

To facilitate passengers travelling between Gujarat and Bihar, Indian Railways has also announced additional trips for two pairs of special trains operating between Udhna and Jaynagar.

The services are expected to benefit passengers travelling from the Surat region and other parts of Gujarat towards northern Bihar during the festive season.

Train No. 09073/09074 Udhna–Jaynagar Special

Train number 09073 Udhna (UDN)–Jaynagar (JYG) Special will operate on November 1 and November 8, 2026.

In the return direction, train number 09074 Jaynagar–Udhna Special will run on November 3 and November 10, 2026.

These additional trips will provide further travel options for passengers heading towards Bihar and those returning to Gujarat after the festive period.

Train No. 09071/09072 Udhna–Jaynagar Special

Indian Railways has announced the same additional operating dates for another pair of special trains on the Udhna–Jaynagar route.

Train number 09071 Udhna (UDN)–Jaynagar (JYG) Special will operate on November 1 and November 8, 2026.

Its return service, train number 09072 Jaynagar–Udhna Special, will operate on November 3 and November 10, 2026.

The operation of both pairs of trains will provide additional capacity on the Gujarat–Bihar corridor at a time when passenger demand generally rises due to Diwali and Chhath celebrations.

Passengers planning to travel on these services should verify the applicable train schedules, stoppages and ticket availability through official railway channels before departure.

Bandra Terminus–Gorakhpur Special Train Gets Additional Trips

Indian Railways has also announced additional trips for train numbers 09083/09084 Bandra Terminus–Gorakhpur Special, strengthening connectivity between Mumbai and eastern Uttar Pradesh during the festive season.

Train number 09083 Bandra Terminus (BDTS)–Gorakhpur (GKP) Special will operate on November 1 and November 8, 2026.

In the return direction, train number 09084 Gorakhpur–Bandra Terminus Special will run on November 2 and November 9, 2026.

The additional services will provide more options for passengers travelling between Mumbai and Gorakhpur. The route is particularly relevant for people travelling between Maharashtra and eastern Uttar Pradesh for family gatherings, festival celebrations and other personal commitments.

The additional trips are intended to help accommodate the increased demand for rail travel during the festive period and provide passengers with alternatives to regular train services.

Passengers Advised to Check Train Details Before Travel

With Diwali and Chhath-related travel demand expected to remain high, passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance and check ticket availability before making travel arrangements.

Travellers should verify departure and arrival timings, route details, stoppages and reservation status through the official Indian Railways enquiry system or authorised ticket-booking platforms.

The announced extensions and additional trips form part of Indian Railways’ efforts to manage seasonal passenger traffic and improve travel availability during major festivals.

By extending the Ponneri Junction–Barauni service and scheduling additional trips on the Udhna–Jaynagar and Bandra Terminus–Gorakhpur routes, the Railways aims to provide more options to passengers travelling across the country during November and early December 2026.

The services will operate on the specified dates, subject to the notified railway schedule. Passengers should consult official announcements for any subsequent changes.