Millions of passengers travelling between Delhi and Bihar-Jharkhand during the festive season have a reason to be relieved. Northern Railway has decided to extend the run of eight special trains connecting Delhi's Anand Vihar and Shakurbasti stations with Purnia, Saharsa, Gaya and Dhanbad until December 1. The move is expected to make it easier for passengers heading home for Diwali and Chhath Puja, and returning afterward, to get confirmed tickets.
Purnia Court-Anand Vihar Route
Train number 05579, running from Purnia Court to Anand Vihar, operates every Friday and Sunday. Its service has been extended from September 4 to November 29, adding 26 extra trips during this period. On the return leg, train number 05580 from Anand Vihar to Purnia Court runs every Sunday and Tuesday. This service continues from September 6 to December 1 and also includes 26 extra trips.
Saharsa-Anand Vihar Route
The Saharsa to Anand Vihar train, numbered 05575, runs every Tuesday. It has been extended for the period September 8 to November 24, with a total of 12 extra trips. In the other direction, train number 05576 from Anand Vihar Terminal to Saharsa runs every Thursday. This service continues from September 10 to November 26, also with 12 extra trips scheduled.
Gaya Junction-Anand Vihar Route
Train number 02397, running from Gaya Junction to Anand Vihar, operates every Sunday. Its extended period runs from September 6 to November 29, with 13 extra trips added. On the reverse route, train number 02398 from Anand Vihar to Gaya Junction departs every Monday. It will run from September 7 to November 30 and also includes 13 extra trips.
Dhanbad Junction-Shakurbasti Route
Train number 03639, from Dhanbad Junction to Shakurbasti, runs every Monday and Friday. Its duration has been extended from September 4 to November 30, with 26 extra trips scheduled. On the return journey, train number 03640 from Shakurbasti to Dhanbad Junction runs every Tuesday and Saturday. This service continues from September 5 to December 1, also with 26 extra trips.
Relief for Diwali and Chhath Travellers
The biggest beneficiaries of this decision will be passengers travelling to Bihar and Jharkhand for Diwali and Chhath Puja and then returning to Delhi. The extra trips across these eight trains are expected to significantly improve the chances of getting a confirmed seat for lakhs of passengers, making their journeys considerably more convenient and less stressful. For more details on timings, routes and availability, passengers can contact the railway helpline number 139.
