The festive season in India means crowded trains and the rush to return home! During Diwali and Chhath Puja, millions travel to their hometowns, especially from Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. To manage this rush, Indian Railways has announced 12,000 special trips for Diwali Chhath Special Trains, including 4 new Amrit Bharat Express trains, a new Vande Bharat train (Purnia-Patna), and a special Buddhist Circuit Train. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about these trains, routes, booking tips, and more in simple language to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
Indian Railways– Big Plan for Diwali Chhath Special Trains
Every year, Diwali (October-November) and Chhath Puja (November) see lakhs of people traveling from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad to their hometowns in Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and beyond. Getting train tickets during this time is a challenge. To tackle this, Indian Railways has planned 12,000 additional trips in 2025 to ensure more people can travel comfortably.
Note: These 12,000 trips do not mean 12,000 new trains. They are extra rounds or services of existing trains, specially scheduled for the festive season.
Diwali Chhath Special Trains Announcements
Indian Railways has introduced some exciting new Diwali Chhath Special Trains to make travel faster, more comfortable, and affordable. Here’s a detailed look:
- 4 New Amrit Bharat Express Trains
These trains are designed for the common traveler, offering affordable fares and modern facilities. The routes are:- Gaya-Delhi: A fast and budget-friendly option for travelers from Bihar to Delhi.
- Saharsa-Amritsar: Connecting Bihar to Punjab for easier travel.
- Chhapra-Delhi: Serving travelers from Eastern Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
- Muzaffarpur-Hyderabad: Linking Bihar to South India with better connectivity.
Key Features: Modern seating, clean coaches, and pocket-friendly fares.
- New Vande Bharat Train (Purnia-Patna)
The Vande Bharat train between Purnia and Patna will offer high-speed travel with state-of-the-art amenities.
Key Features: Sleek design, faster travel time, and enhanced comfort for passengers. - Buddhist Circuit Train
This train will connect key Buddhist pilgrimage sites like Vaishali, Hajipur, Sonpur, Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, and Koderma, promoting religious tourism.
Key Features: Ideal for spiritual travelers and tourists exploring Buddhist heritage sites.
Why Diwali Chhath Special Trains Matters to You
The festive season often means overcrowded trains and a struggle to secure tickets. Indian Railways’ 2025 Diwali Chhath Special Trains brings several benefits:
- More Tickets Available: With 12,000 extra trips, your chances of getting a ticket will improve.
- Faster and Comfortable Travel: The new Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains offer quicker and more comfortable journeys.
- Boost to Religious Tourism: The Buddhist Circuit Train makes it easier to visit sacred sites, also benefiting local economies.
- Affordable Options: Amrit Bharat trains are budget-friendly, ensuring everyone can travel.
Booking and Discount Details for Diwali Chhath Special Trains
Indian Railways has hinted at some special facilities for the Diwali Chhath Special Trains:
- Special Booking Window: Booking dates and times will be announced soon. Keep checking the IRCTC website for updates.
- Return Ticket Discounts: Some reports suggest up to 20% off on return tickets if booked together. However, this is not confirmed, so check official sources like IRCTC or PIB for accurate details.
- Tatkal Quota: For last-minute travelers, the Tatkal booking option will likely be available.
5 Practical Travel Tips for Diwali Chhath Special Trains
If you’re planning to travel for Diwali or Chhath Puja in 2025, follow these tips to make your journey smoother:
- Book Early: Regularly check the IRCTC website or app for updates on special trains and Tatkal quotas.
- Use Return Ticket Offers: If Indian Railways offers discounts on return tickets, book both journeys together to save money and time.
- Check Nearby Stations: If direct trains from your city are full, look for trains from major hubs like Patna, Gaya, Hajipur, or Saharsa, where the new trains operate.
- Plan for Buddhist Circuit Travel: If traveling on the Buddhist Circuit Train, arrange local transport, accommodation, and guides in advance due to potential crowds.
- Rely on Official Sources: Avoid misinformation on social media. Always check IRCTC, PIB, or Indian Railways’ official websites for updates.
ALSO READ- New Rules for Tatkal Ticket Booking: Everything You Need to Know, Indian Railways
What does 12,000 special trips mean?
These are not 12,000 new trains but extra rounds or services of existing trains to accommodate more passengers during the festive season.
When will booking for Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains start?
Booking dates will be announced on the IRCTC website or through Indian Railways press releases. Keep checking regularly.
Which places will the Buddhist Circuit Train cover?
It will connect Vaishali, Hajipur, Sonpur, Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, and Koderma, key sites linked to Buddhism.
Additional Tips for a Safe and Smooth Journey
- Secure Your Belongings: Keep your luggage and tickets safe, especially in crowded stations.
- Stay Updated: Follow Indian Railways’ official social media handles and websites for the latest information.
- Plan Ahead: For Buddhist Circuit Train travelers, research routes, timings, and local arrangements in advance.
Conclusion
Indian Railways’ Diwali-Chhath 2025 special trips are a game-changer for festive travelers. With 12,000 extra trips, 4 new Amrit Bharat Express trains, the Purnia-Patna Vande Bharat, and the Buddhist Circuit Train, your journey can be faster, more comfortable, and affordable. Book early, rely on official sources like IRCTC, and plan ahead to make the most of this festive season.
Bookmark this article and keep checking IRCTC for updates. Happy Journey and a joyful Diwali and Chhath Puja!
