Bihar Gets 12,000 Trains for Diwali, Chhath

Download IPFS

In a major step to ease festive travel, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday announced that more than 12,000 trains will operate for Bihar during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals. The decision is aimed at managing the heavy rush of passengers, as demand for train tickets typically surges during the festival season.

Vaishnaw said the move was designed to improve connectivity and ensure smoother travel for the people of Bihar, many of whom travel long distances to celebrate with their families. The additional trains will be operated across several key routes, catering to both local and outstation passengers.

Alongside this, the Railway Ministry has rolled out several new projects to strengthen Bihar’s rail network and enhance travel convenience. Among these is the launch of a special Buddha Circuit Train from Vaishali. The service will connect important heritage destinations associated with Lord Buddha, including Hajipur, Patliputra, Nalanda, Rajgir, and Gaya. Officials said the circuit aims to support tourism while also serving local travelers.

The Minister also confirmed that a new Vande Bharat Express will soon run between Purnea and Patna. Known for its speed and modern design, the train will reduce travel time significantly on this route. In addition, a new Amrit Bharat Express is planned to connect Delhi with Gaya, primarily for general class passengers. This service is expected to provide affordable long-distance travel options for the state’s residents.

The announcements followed a meeting between Vaishnaw and leaders of the Bihar NDA in New Delhi. During the discussions, the leaders highlighted the state’s urgent connectivity needs ahead of the festive season. Vaishnaw assured them that the Railway Ministry is prioritizing Bihar with several key projects that will improve passenger experience and expand the state’s rail infrastructure.

The Railway Minister noted that Bihar holds a vital place in India’s railway map, given its large population and high levels of seasonal travel. With Diwali and Chhath being among the most widely celebrated festivals in the state, the additional services are expected to bring significant relief to travelers.

Officials added that the ministry is also reviewing long-term railway infrastructure projects to enhance Bihar’s links with other regions of the country. These include track upgrades, electrification projects, and the modernization of stations.

The special train operations are scheduled to begin ahead of Diwali and continue through the Chhath festival period, ensuring passengers have adequate travel options during one of the busiest times of the year.