The festive season is just around the corner, and to cater to the increased demand for travel, Western Railway has announced the extension of its special fare trains for the months of July and August 2026. The Ahmedabad–Darbhanga and Gandhidham–Ahmedabad–Bhagalpur special trains will continue to ply, providing relief to thousands of passengers who will be traveling to their hometowns to celebrate the festivals with their loved ones. The routes of these trains have been diverted via Lucknow to ensure a smoother and more convenient journey for the passengers.
Extended Routes and Frequencies
The Ahmedabad–Darbhanga special train will run thrice a week, with the journey commencing from Ahmedabad on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The train will halt at key stations such as Palanpur, Abu Road, Marwar Junction, and Varanasi, before finally reaching its destination in Darbhanga. On the other hand, the Gandhidham–Ahmedabad–Bhagalpur special train will operate twice a week, with departures from Gandhidham on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The train will pass through stations like Bhuj, Anjar, and Surat, before reaching Ahmedabad and then proceeding to Bhagalpur.
Both trains will have a composition of 18 coaches, including air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned sleeper and general classes. The fares for these trains have been fixed at reasonable rates, with the Ahmedabad–Darbhanga special train priced at Rs 1,200 for sleeper class and Rs 2,500 for air-conditioned class. The Gandhidham–Ahmedabad–Bhagalpur special train will cost Rs 1,500 for sleeper class and Rs 3,000 for air-conditioned class.
Festival Travel and Preparations
The extension of these special trains is expected to bring a huge relief to passengers who will be traveling during the festival season. The festivals of July and August 2026, including Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, and Independence Day, attract a large number of travelers who return to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. Western Railway has made arrangements to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for its passengers, with additional staff and security personnel deployed at key stations.
Passengers are advised to book their tickets in advance to avoid last-minute rush and to take advantage of the special fares. The tickets can be booked online through the official website or at designated reservation counters. Western Railway has also set up a dedicated helpline number for passengers to inquire about the train schedules, fares, and other details.
Travel Convenience and Safety
Western Railway has taken several measures to ensure the safety and convenience of its passengers. The trains will be equipped with modern amenities such as air-conditioned coaches, comfortable seating, and hygienic sanitation facilities. The railway authority has also arranged for additional catering services, with a variety of food options available on board. Passengers can also use the railway’s mobile app to access various services, including train schedules, ticket booking, and complaint registration.
The extension of the special trains is a welcome move, and passengers can now look forward to a hassle-free and enjoyable journey during the festival season. With the routes diverted via Lucknow, passengers can expect a smoother and more convenient journey, with reduced travel time and increased comfort. As the festive season approaches, Western Railway is geared up to provide its passengers with a memorable travel experience, and the extension of these special trains is a step in the right direction.
