New Delhi : Indian Railways will operate more than 12,000 special trains to manage the surge in passengers during Diwali and Chhath. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that passengers traveling on onward journeys from October 13 to 26 and return journeys from November 17 to December 1 will receive a 20% discount on return tickets.
The minister stressed that these arrangements will provide comfort and convenience to passengers and prevent congestion during the festive season.
Indian Railways will launch four new Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Gaya to Delhi, Saharsa to Amritsar, Chhapra to Delhi, and Muzaffarpur to Hyderabad. The Vande Bharat Express will run between Purnia and Patna, and the Buddhist Circuit Train will link Vaishali, Hajipur, Sonepur, Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, and Koderma, promoting tourism and making travel convenient for families.
Bihar will expand the Buxar–Lakhisarai section into a four-line corridor, allowing more trains to operate efficiently. Authorities will develop the Patna Ring Railway system and connect Sultanganj to Deoghar by rail. Officials will also launch a new Patna–Ayodhya train, build a washing pit at Laukaha Bazar, and construct several road overbridges to improve railway operations.
Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, Union Minister Lalan Singh, MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, and MP Sanjay Kumar Jha thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving these initiatives, including new Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains. They said the measures will enhance travel convenience and regional development.
The 20% discount on return tickets will make festive travel affordable. Railway officials will run special trains, launch new routes, and ensure passengers experience safe, comfortable, and timely journeys during Diwali and Chhath
