Bhagalpur-Delhi Festival Special Trains Launched For Festive Season Rush
Indian Railways has unveiled a crucial addition to its seasonal travel roster, launching new festival-special trains to address the perennial surge in passenger traffic between the capital and the state of Bihar. The introduction of these dedicated services, particularly the Bhagalpur-Delhi festival weekly special train, represents a strategic intervention designed to mitigate travel burdens during the upcoming festive season, which sees millions of migrant workers and families journeying back to their hometowns for celebrations like Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath. This initiative is a prime example of how logistical infrastructure can be leveraged to foster a more equitable and inclusive society, ensuring that the fundamental right to home and family is accessible to all, irrespective of socio-economic standing.
The Bhagalpur-Delhi weekly special, operating from September 23 to November 26, is a key component of this effort. The train will depart from Delhi every Tuesday at 11:00 am, arriving in Bhagalpur the following day. For the return journey, it will leave Bhagalpur every Wednesday at 1:55 pm, reaching Delhi by 3:30 pm on Thursday. With a substantial capacity of 22 coaches, this service is designed to alleviate the considerable strain on existing routes, most notably the high-demand Vikramshila Express. By offering a more reliable travel alternative, the railways are not just providing transportation; they are offering peace of mind and reducing the logistical stress that often accompanies festival travel for countless individuals.
From a broader economic perspective, the operation of these festival trains supports a vibrant, circular economy. They facilitate the flow of capital and labour, enabling millions to participate in crucial family and community rituals. This movement, in turn, boosts local economies in smaller towns and villages by injecting spending from returning residents. Officials confirm that this move also reduces the reliance on less regulated and often more expensive private transport options, which are notorious for price gouging during peak seasons. Furthermore, the commitment to providing these services demonstrates a keen understanding of the social contract, recognising the deep emotional and cultural significance of these festivals for the population.
In addition to the Bhagalpur-Delhi route, the railway authorities have also launched special trains from Malda to Anand Vihar and Malda to Udhna. These services further expand the network’s capacity to accommodate the festive rush from various regions. The Malda-Anand Vihar special will run on specific Mondays and Tuesdays from late September to late November, while the Malda-Udhna service will operate on weekends during the same period. The consistent schedules and ample coach capacity, including both sleeper and general coaches, underscore a concerted effort to make festival travel more comfortable and affordable for a diverse passenger base. This focus on accessibility and confirmed tickets serves as a powerful instrument for social equity, providing a dignified travel experience for everyone, from migrant workers to professionals.
The introduction of these trains is more than a seasonal measure; it is a strategic investment in the well-being and social fabric of the nation. It highlights a proactive and compassionate approach to managing one of the world’s largest annual mass migrations. While these services are not yet fully electric, they are an essential part of a holistic, long-term plan to modernise the rail network, making it more efficient and user-centric. The commitment to running these services year after year suggests a sustained effort to build a transport system that is not only efficient but also deeply attuned to the human needs of its passengers.
