Western Railway has extended the operation of two long-distance weekly special trains connecting Gujarat with Bihar, responding to sustained passenger demand during the peak summer travel period and the upcoming festive season. The decision is expected to strengthen interstate connectivity while accommodating higher travel volumes across one of the country’s busiest migration corridors.
The extended services include the Ahmedabad–Darbhanga and Gandhidham–Bhagalpur weekly special trains, which will continue operating through July and early August. Railway authorities have also revised the routes of these services due to ongoing infrastructure development works at Lucknow station, where redevelopment activities are being undertaken by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA). The Ahmedabad–Darbhanga special service departing every Friday will continue until the end of July, while its return journey from Darbhanga will operate until early August. Similarly, the Gandhidham–Bhagalpur weekly special and its corresponding return service have also received an operational extension over the same period. Because of the construction programme in Lucknow, both train services will temporarily follow alternative alignments, connecting passengers through a different set of major railway junctions across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The revised routing is intended to maintain service continuity while enabling redevelopment work to progress without significantly affecting long-distance rail operations.
Transport analysts note that extending special train services during periods of high demand has become an increasingly important strategy for managing passenger congestion on India’s rail network. Gujarat continues to witness substantial movement of workers, students and families travelling to eastern states, particularly during festivals and seasonal holidays, making these routes critical for affordable long-distance mobility. The decision also reflects the growing need for operational flexibility as Indian Railways simultaneously expands infrastructure and modernises major stations. Temporary route diversions allow engineering works to proceed while minimising disruptions to passengers, supporting a balance between network development and service reliability.
Urban mobility experts argue that strengthening interstate rail connectivity contributes to more sustainable transport by encouraging travellers to choose rail over long-distance road journeys. Efficient railway operations can help reduce highway congestion, improve energy efficiency and support inclusive access to economic opportunities across regions. Advance reservations for the extended special train services have already been opened through railway booking channels, enabling passengers to plan journeys during the high-demand travel period. Officials have advised travellers to verify updated schedules, stoppages and revised routes before departure, as operational adjustments remain in place until redevelopment work at Lucknow reaches the next phase. The extension underscores the continuing role of flexible rail operations in supporting passenger mobility while allowing critical infrastructure upgrades to move forward across India’s expanding railway network.
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