New Delhi/Varanasi: Travelling to Varanasi during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festival season is expected to become more convenient for passengers as Indian Railways has announced additional special train services to manage the seasonal rush.
With a large number of people travelling to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during the festive period, railway authorities are introducing special services on important routes, including the Varanasi–Delhi corridor.
The move is expected to provide additional travel options for passengers struggling to secure confirmed tickets on regular trains.
Varanasi-Delhi Festival Special Train Announced
Northern Railway has announced a reserved Festival Special Express between Varanasi Junction and Delhi Junction.
The service will operate under train numbers:
- 04209 – Varanasi to Delhi
- 04210 – Delhi to Varanasi
According to the reported schedule, Train No. 04209 will operate on specified Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from October 2 to November 27, 2026.
The return service, Train No. 04210, will operate on specified Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from October 3 to November 28, 2026.
Reported Timings
| Train | Route | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04209 | Varanasi to Delhi | 10:15 PM | 1:45 PM next day |
| 04210 | Delhi to Varanasi | 6:50 PM | 9:50 AM next day |
The service is expected to operate with approximately 50 trips in total, providing additional reserved accommodation during the festive travel period. Passengers should verify the final timetable and stoppages on the official railway enquiry platform before booking.
Why Indian Railways Is Running Special Trains
Diwali, Chhath Puja and other festivals typically lead to a sharp increase in passenger demand, especially on routes connecting major cities with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and other northern and eastern regions.
Many migrant workers, students and families travel to their hometowns during this period. As a result, regular trains often experience:
- Heavy passenger demand
- Long waiting lists
- Limited confirmed berths
- Crowded railway stations
- Increased demand for sleeper and AC coaches
Special trains are being introduced to provide additional capacity and reduce pressure on regular services.
Other Festival Special Trains Announced
Apart from the Varanasi–Delhi service, Indian Railways has announced several other festival special trains connecting major destinations.
These include services on routes such as:
- Ayodhya Cantt–Anand Vihar
- Chandigarh–Patna
- Firozpur Cantt–Patna
- Anand Vihar–Jogbani
- Anand Vihar–Muzaffarpur
- Delhi–Sitamarhi
- Barauni–New Delhi
- Darbhanga–New Delhi
- Ahmedabad–Mumbai
The railway network is expected to add further services depending on passenger demand and operational requirements.
More Than 100 Special Trains for the Festive Season
Indian Railways has announced more than 100 special trains for the upcoming Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath travel season.
These services will connect important cities and states, including:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
- West Bengal
- Assam
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
- Gujarat
- Maharashtra
The additional services are intended to help passengers travel to their hometowns and festival destinations with greater convenience.
When Should Passengers Book Tickets?
Passengers planning to travel during Diwali or Chhath should avoid waiting until the last moment.
Travellers are advised to:
- Check the official train schedule.
- Confirm the train’s operating dates.
- Book tickets through IRCTC or authorised railway booking channels.
- Check seat availability before finalising travel plans.
- Verify boarding stations and stoppages.
- Reach the railway station early due to festival crowds.
The operation of a special train does not guarantee confirmed accommodation for every passenger. Availability will depend on the train’s coach composition, booking demand and travel date.
Will These Trains Help Varanasi Passengers?
The Varanasi–Delhi Festival Special is expected to benefit passengers travelling between the national capital and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
It may be particularly useful for:
- Students
- Working professionals
- Families travelling for Diwali
- Passengers visiting Varanasi
- People travelling onward to nearby districts
- Pilgrims and tourists
However, passengers should check the official railway timetable because special train schedules, stoppages and operating days may be revised.
How to Check the Latest Train Details
Passengers can check updated information through:
- IRCTC website and mobile application
- Indian Railways enquiry services
- NTES train enquiry platform
- RailMadad helpline 139
- Official railway zone announcements
Before travelling, passengers should verify the train number, date, departure time, arrival time, coach availability and boarding station.
Conclusion
Indian Railways is preparing additional services ahead of the Diwali and Chhath festival rush in 2026. The Varanasi–Delhi Festival Special Express is among the important services announced to provide passengers with more travel options between the two cities.
With several other special trains planned across major routes, passengers may receive some relief from the heavy demand for regular services during the festive season.
Travellers planning to visit Varanasi or return to Delhi during October and November should check schedules early and book tickets through official railway channels.
Also read, Indian Railways RailOne App: Book Tickets and Track Trains
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