Chhath Festival Rush: 372 Special Trains to Run from Delhi to Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga
Key Takeaways
- Indian Railways has announced 372 special trains between Delhi–Muzaffarpur and Delhi–Darbhanga for Chhath and Diwali.
- A total of 1482 trains will be operated from Delhi to Bihar to manage festive travel rush.
- Routes with maximum crowd include Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Samastipur, and Dhanbad.
- Special Amrit Bharat Express services will also operate for unreserved passengers.
Record Train Services for Bihar Ahead of Chhath and Diwali
In anticipation of massive crowds traveling home for Diwali and Chhath Puja, Indian Railways has announced an extensive schedule of special trains connecting Delhi to major cities of Bihar. This year, 372 trains will specifically run on the Delhi–Muzaffarpur–Darbhanga route, ensuring smoother travel during one of India’s busiest travel seasons.
According to railway officials, Bihar’s six most congested rail routes during Chhath have been identified. These include:
- Patna,
- Gaya,
- Muzaffarpur–Darbhanga,
- Bhagalpur,
- Muzaffarpur–Samastipur,
- Dhanbad.
1482 Trains from Delhi to Bihar
This festive season, the Railway Board has planned to operate 1,482 trains from Delhi covering all major routes to Bihar. Of these, 596 trains will run between Delhi and Patna, while the Delhi–Muzaffarpur–Samastipur–Darbhanga route will see 246 express services.
The Delhi–Darbhanga line will accommodate 126 express trains, and additional Amrit Bharat Express trains have been included to cater to unreserved passengers.
Route-Wise Train Breakdown
| Route | Number of Trains |
|---|---|
| Delhi–Muzaffarpur via Samastipur | 246 |
| Delhi–Darbhanga | 126 |
| Delhi–Patna | 596 |
| Delhi–Gaya | 206 |
| Delhi–Bhagalpur | 164 |
| Delhi–Dhanbad | 144 |
Officials confirmed that the Delhi–Muzaffarpur–Darbhanga corridor alone will operate 372 special trains to handle the surge of Chhath travelers.
Election and Festive Strategy
This year’s train planning has also been influenced by the Bihar Assembly Elections, scheduled shortly after Diwali and Chhath. The Railways aims to ensure that voters returning home for the festivals can also participate in the polls without transport bottlenecks.
Railway Board officials have coordinated with election authorities to maintain operational efficiency during the overlapping festival and election season.
Special Services till November End
The special train operations will continue until November 30, providing relief to passengers throughout the festive and travel-heavy month. Railways will also introduce Amrit Bharat Express trains on selected routes, known for their affordable unreserved category.
Officials added that extra ticket counters and onboard staff will be deployed to manage the rush and ensure passenger safety.
Did You Know?
Last year, the Delhi–Patna corridor saw 280 special train trips during Chhath. This year, the number has more than doubled to 596, reflecting the unprecedented surge in passenger demand.
Conclusion
With 372 special trains between Delhi and Muzaffarpur/Darbhanga, and nearly 1500 total trains connecting Delhi to Bihar, the Railways is set for one of its largest festive operations ever. This effort not only supports millions of homebound travelers for Chhath and Diwali, but also ensures smoother connectivity during a politically charged election season.
FAQs
How many total trains will operate between Delhi and Bihar this Chhath?
A total of 1,482 trains will operate from Delhi to various cities across Bihar.
How many trains are planned for the Delhi–Muzaffarpur–Darbhanga route?
372 special trains will run on the Delhi–Muzaffarpur and Delhi–Darbhanga routes.
Which route has the maximum number of trains?
The Delhi–Patna route will see 596 train trips, the highest among all Bihar routes.
Until when will these special trains operate?
The special train services will continue until November 30, 2025.
Will unreserved passengers get trains too?
Yes. Amrit Bharat Express services are being included specifically for unreserved passengers.
References
- Indian Railways Press Release, October 2025.
- Railway Board Official Circular on Chhath Puja Operations (2025).
- Hindustan (Muzaffarpur Edition), October 19, 2025.