# Train Schedule For Delhi To Gaya Travel During Pitru Paksha

> Several trains including Mahabodhi Express, Rajdhani Express, Netaji Express, Purushottam Express, and Nandankanan Express operate from Delhi to Gaya during Pitru Paksha. Passengers should check the timings and fares before booking tickets.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Travel · **Published:** 2026-09-27 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/travel/train-schedule-for-delhi-to-gaya-travel-during-pitru-paksha-39451 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Pitru Paksha, Gaya Travel, Train Schedule, Mahabodhi Express, Purushottam Express, Pind Daan, Indian Railways

The sacred period of Pitru Paksha has officially begun, and with it, the number of devotees preparing to travel to Gaya has started rising significantly. In Sanatan tradition, performing Pind Daan and Tarpan during Pitru Paksha holds profound spiritual importance. The city of Gaya in Bihar ranks among the primary pilgrimage sites in the country for these rituals. Every year, massive crowds arrive here to perform Pind Daan and offer prayers for the peace of their ancestors' souls. If you are also planning a journey from Delhi to Gaya, taking a train can prove to be a convenient and cost-effective option. Multiple trains to Gaya operate from various stations across the national capital, ranging from New Delhi and Old Delhi to Anand Vihar Terminal. Therefore, noting down the train names and timings before booking your tickets will be extremely useful for your journey.

## Significance of Pind Daan and 48 Sacred Vedis in Gaya
According to Bihar Tourism, there are 48 prominent sacred vedis designated for Pind Daan in Gaya. Among these, the Vishnupad Temple holds exceptional religious importance. Several other locations, including the holy Falgu River and Sita Kund, possess deep spiritual significance as well. Panchatirtha is also traditionally associated with the rituals of Pind Daan. Official information states that this year's Pitru Paksha Mela is scheduled to run from September 25 to October 10, 2026. The distance between Delhi and Gaya spans roughly 980 to 1000 kilometers. While road and air travel options are available, trains are widely considered the most comfortable medium for long-distance travel, especially for passengers traveling along with their families, making advance seat booking advisable.

## Mahabodhi Express Option for Traveling to Gaya
Mahabodhi Express stands out as a highly popular choice among passengers traveling from Delhi to Gaya. Bearing train number 12398, this service departs from New Delhi at 12:25 PM daily and arrives at Gaya Junction the next morning at approximately 2:55 AM. The total journey takes roughly 14 hours and 30 minutes. Based on estimates provided, the sleeper class fare is around 510 rupees, third AC fare ranges between 1330 and 1400 rupees, and second AC fare is estimated to be between 1880 and 1990 rupees. This train operates on all days of the week.

## Sialdah Rajdhani Express for Faster Travel
For travelers wishing to reach Gaya in a shorter duration, the Sialdah Rajdhani Express serves as a viable alternative. Operating under train number 12314, it leaves New Delhi at 4:30 PM and reaches Gaya around 3:42 AM the following morning. This journey takes approximately 11 hours and 12 minutes. The third AC fare is reported to start from around 1485 rupees, while the second AC fare can exceed 2120 rupees. Because it is a Rajdhani service, ticket prices are generally higher compared to standard express trains.

## Netaji Express and Purushottam Express Schedules
Netaji Express is listed as an option under train numbers 13052 or 12312. It departs from Old Delhi at approximately 6:15 AM and arrives at Gaya Junction around 11:30 PM at night. The journey can take about 17 hours and 15 minutes. The estimated sleeper class fare is around 510 rupees, third AC is roughly 1335 rupees, and second AC is about 1895 rupees. This train runs on a daily basis according to official details. Meanwhile, Purushottam Express train number 12802 departs from Anand Vihar Terminal at 10:45 PM and reaches Gaya Junction at approximately 12:35 PM the next afternoon, with a travel duration of about 13 hours and 50 minutes. Sleeper class fares range between 505 and 520 rupees, and third AC fares can be around 1330 rupees or higher, with daily operations.

## Nandankanan Express and Essential Booking Tips
Nandankanan Express, identified by train number 12816, departs from Anand Vihar Terminal at around 7:30 AM and takes approximately 13 hours and 55 minutes to reach Gaya Junction at around 9:25 PM. The sleeper fare is cited at around 510 rupees, third AC at about 1330 rupees, and second AC at over 1890 rupees. Since this train runs only on specific days of the week, passengers must verify the calendar before booking. Passenger volume surges during Pitru Paksha, making seat availability tight. Checking ticket status early and verifying real-time schedules and fares through IRCTC or official railway portals is strongly recommended before confirming reservations.

## What this means for you
Pilgrims traveling from Delhi to Gaya during Pitru Paksha may face heavy rush and seat shortages on trains, making advance travel planning essential.

- **Across India:** High demand on trains heading to Gaya during Pitru Paksha can make securing confirmed tickets difficult, requiring travelers to book as soon as their dates are finalized.
- **In Delhi:** Passengers should immediately check ticket availability on key trains operating from New Delhi, Old Delhi, and Anand Vihar Terminal to Gaya, including Mahabodhi, Rajdhani, Netaji, Purushottam, and Nandankanan Express.

## Why this happened
The sudden surge in passenger traffic on trains heading to Gaya during Pitru Paksha is driven by religious beliefs and specific ritual timelines.

- **Religious Significance:** According to Sanatan tradition, performing Pind Daan and Tarpan during Pitru Paksha is essential for ancestral peace, making Gaya the primary pilgrimage destination.
- **Limited Train Options:** Only a select number of express and Rajdhani trains provide direct connectivity between Delhi and Gaya, leading to heavy crowding during this period.
- **Fixed Event Duration:** This year's Pitru Paksha Mela is scheduled from September 25 to October 10, 2026, compelling travelers to complete their journeys within a strict timeframe.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What is the distance between Delhi and Gaya?
The distance between Delhi and Gaya is approximately 980 to 1000 kilometers.

### 2. When is the Pitru Paksha Mela scheduled for this year?
This year's Pitru Paksha Mela runs from September 25 to October 10, 2026.

### 3. At what time does the Mahabodhi Express depart from New Delhi?
The Mahabodhi Express departs from New Delhi at 12:25 PM.

### 4. How many prominent vedis for Pind Daan are located in Gaya?
According to Bihar Tourism, there are 48 prominent vedis for Pind Daan in Gaya.

### 5. From which station does Purushottam Express depart?
Purushottam Express departs from Anand Vihar Terminal at 10:45 PM.

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