Railways Extends Run of Trains on Patna, Pataliputra, and Raxaul Routes

Railways typically operates special trains for a fixed duration during the festive season; however, the service of certain special trains will now continue beyond the originally scheduled period. Here are the details regarding the trains whose services have been extended.

Tomorrow marks the last day of September, ushering in the month of October. This month features major festivals like Durga Puja and Dussehra, followed by Diwali and Chhath in November. Consequently, a large number of people are planning to travel home by train; historically, during this period, trains and even platforms become so crowded that there is hardly any standing room left. To address this, the Railways runs special trains for a set period each year, enabling as many people as possible to travel home for the festivities.

It is worth noting that the Railways has operated special trains this year as well. Significantly, a decision has been made to extend the services of some of these existing special trains. According to the information provided by the Railways, the special trains initially scheduled for a specific duration will continue to operate beyond that timeframe. Let us look at which trains will continue to run beyond their original schedule.

Extension of Pataliputra-Purnia Court Special

The service of the train running between Pataliputra Junction and Purnia Court (Train No. 03216/03215) has been extended. Train No. 03216, traveling from Pataliputra to Purnia Court, will operate five days a week; it will not run on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Please note that while the service was previously scheduled until October 16, 2026, it will now operate from October 18 to November 30, 2026. Additionally, Train No. 03125, running from Purnia Court to Patliputra, will operate five days a week, though it will not run on Thursdays and Sundays. While the service was originally scheduled until October 17, 2026, it has now been extended to run until December 1, 2026.

Raxaul-Narkatiaganj Train Duration

The service for the Raxaul-Narkatiaganj-Raxaul Special (Train Nos. 05543/05544) has also been extended. Train No. 05543, running from Raxaul Junction to Narkatiaganj Junction, will operate every Thursday and Saturday. Previously scheduled until September 26, the service has now been extended to run from October 1 to November 28, 2026. Similarly, Train No. 05544, running from Narkatiaganj to Raxaul, will also operate on Thursdays and Saturdays, with its service extended from October 1 to November 28, 2026.

Patna-Islampur Special Train

The operation of the Patna-Islampur Special (Train Nos. 03297/03298) has also been extended. Train No. 03297, running from Patna to Islampur, will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Originally scheduled until September 29, 2026, the service has now been extended to run from October 1 to November 29, 2026.

Meanwhile, Train No. 03298, running from Islampur to Patna, will operate every Wednesday, Friday, and Monday. Previously scheduled until September 30, 2026, the service has now been extended to run from October 2 to November 30, 2026. Attention rail passengers:

Tickets for special trains during the festive season fill up quickly, so book your tickets well in advance; make sure to book your return tickets at the right time as well, rather than just the onward journey tickets. Additionally, since stations can get very crowded, please arrive early and take special care of your luggage and young children.