India Launches Bilaspur Yelahanka Festival Special Train Service
Bilaspur is set to witness smoother festive travel as Indian Railways introduces a dedicated Festival Special train connecting Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh to Yelahanka in Bengaluru. Designed to ease congestion during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath, the service is scheduled to operate from 9 September to 18 November 2025, covering 22 trips in total. Officials say this initiative is aimed at ensuring passenger comfort while mitigating overcrowding challenges that typically arise during the festive season.
The Bilaspur–Yelahanka Festival Special will depart from Bilaspur every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., reaching Yelahanka by 7:00 p.m. the following day. The return service leaves Yelahanka every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m., arriving at Bilaspur by 5:30 a.m. Thursday. Key commercial stops have been designated at Bhatapara, Raipur, Durg, Rajnandgaon, Dongargarh, and Gondia, enabling connectivity for passengers from Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
To accommodate varying passenger needs, the train has been configured with a balanced coach composition: three general coaches, four sleeper class coaches, one seating-cum-luggage rake with Divyangjan facilities, two AC 3-tier economy coaches, eight AC 3-tier coaches, and one AC 2-tier coach. This ensures that budget travellers as well as those seeking air-conditioned comfort can access convenient and safe travel options.According to railway officials, festival rushes often lead to overcrowding, ticket shortages, disputes over berths, and safety concerns, particularly affecting senior citizens, women, and children. By launching a weekly special service, the Railways aims to streamline passenger flow, reduce chaos on regular trains, and provide a more organised journey experience during peak demand periods.
The service also benefits migrant workers and IT professionals commuting between central India and Bengaluru’s tech hubs. With improved connectivity, the route enhances not only convenience for festive travel but also tourism and business opportunities. Pilgrims and tourists can reach cultural and heritage sites efficiently, while business travellers gain direct links between major centres.Passengers are encouraged to book tickets through IRCTC’s website, mobile application, authorised agents, or railway reservation counters well in advance due to expected high demand. The Indian Railways emphasises that this initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to passenger convenience, ensuring safe, timely, and comfortable travel for families and individuals during India’s festival season.
