the travel burden for candidates appearing for the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) examinations, Indian Railways has announced the operation of three special trains. These trains will run between key stations on the Patna-Ranchi, Barauni-Dhanbad, and Garwaha Road-Bilaspur routes, ensuring that examinees can travel comfortably and punctually for their exams scheduled on November 25 and 28.
The special trains, which will be operational on November 24 and 27, are designed to cater to the increased footfall of passengers heading to the examination centres. The Patna-Ranchi special train (03219/03220) will depart from Patna Junction at 3 PM on both November 24 and 27, reaching Ranchi by 11:45 PM. The return journey from Ranchi will take place at 11 PM on November 25 and 29, arriving back in Patna by 7:45 AM the following morning. This train will stop at multiple stations, including Jehanabad, Gaya, Koderma, and Bokaro Steel City, making it more accessible for commuters along the route. Similarly, the Barauni-Dhanbad special (03689/03690) will operate on November 24 and 27, departing from Barauni at 2 PM and reaching Dhanbad by 10 PM. The return train will leave Dhanbad at 9 PM on November 25 and 29, arriving in Barauni by 5:30 AM the next morning. This train will make stops at Lakhisarai, Kiul, Jamui, Jhajha, and several other stations, accommodating passengers traveling between these areas.
The Garwaha Road-Bilaspur special (03695/03696) will depart from Garwaha Road at 6 AM on November 24 and 27, arriving in Bilaspur by 11 PM. On the return leg, it will leave Bilaspur at 8 PM on November 25 and 29, reaching Garwaha Road at 11:30 AM the following day. This train will cover important stations like Daltonganj, Barwadih, Latehar, and Rourkela, among others. In addition to these special trains, the East Central Railway (ECR) is taking further steps to ensure passenger safety and preparedness. A mock drill was conducted at Saharsa station on Friday, involving the 9th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), railway safety staff, and scouts and guides. This exercise focused on simulating emergency scenarios, such as accidents or mishaps, to train staff in handling potential crises swiftly and efficiently. According to Samastipur PRO R.K. Singh, the mock drill was an important initiative to strengthen emergency preparedness, ensuring a safe environment for both exam-bound passengers and railway staff.
With the Railway Recruitment Board examinations attracting a large number of candidates, Indian Railways’ proactive approach in running these special trains reflects its commitment to facilitating smooth and safe travel for exam-goers. Moreover, by coordinating emergency preparedness drills, the railways are taking comprehensive measures to safeguard passenger interests during high-traffic periods. The move has been welcomed by candidates, who have expressed their appreciation for the added convenience and safety measures. For many, these special trains represent a lifeline, ensuring timely arrival at examination centres and reducing the travel-related stress associated with major recruitment exams.
