IRCTC Navratri Special Trains: Extra Services For Patna, Lucknow, Prayagraj Travellers

Navratri is here, with the nine-day festival set to take place from September 22 (Monday) to October 2 (Thursday), 2025. To help manage the festive rush, Indian Railways has announced two unreserved Navratri Puja special trains, aimed at providing more convenient and comfortable travel options for pilgrims.Round Trips Planned For Each RouteAccording to reports, Indian Railways will operate two unreserved special trains during the Navratri period. The first service will run between Prayagraj and Patna, while the second will connect Mirzapur with Alamnagar in Lucknow. Each train is scheduled to complete 11 round trips in both directions, with an additional journey planned for either October 6 or 7, depending on the route.Convenient Stops at Key StationsThe first Navratri special train, operating between Prayagraj and Patna, will run from September 22 to October 1, with an extra service scheduled for October 6. As per the timetable, the train will depart from Prayagraj at 11:15 am and is expected to arrive in Patna at 8:15 pm on the same day. For the return journey, it will leave Patna at 9 pm and reach Prayagraj by 6:20 am the following morning.Along its route, the train will stop at several key stations, including Naini, Meja Road, Manda Road, Vindhyachal, Mirzapur, Chunar, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, Buxar, Ara, and Danapur—ensuring better connectivity for devotees travelling to major religious destinations during the festival period.The second Navratri special train will run between Mirzapur and Alamnagar in Lucknow, making 11 trips from September 22 to October 1. An additional service is planned for October 6. The return service, operating from Alamnagar to Mirzapur, will begin on September 23 and continue until October 2, with one final journey on October 7.As per the schedule, the train will depart Mirzapur at 4:05 pm and reach Alamnagar by 11:25 pm the same evening. On the return leg, the train will leave Alamnagar at 1 am and arrive in Mirzapur at 8 am. The service will include halts at several key stations along the route, improving access for travellers heading to religious sites during the festive period.Unreserved Trains Offer More OptionsEach year, Navratri draws large numbers of devotees travelling to Vindhyachal and other religious sites in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. To ease congestion and manage the surge in passengers, Indian Railways has introduced additional special trains.These unreserved services offer more travel options and help reduce overcrowding during the festival period. Serving key cities like Prayagraj, Patna, Mirzapur, and Lucknow, the trains provide an affordable and reliable means of transport. This initiative ensures pilgrims can travel comfortably amid one of the busiest seasons of the year.FAQsWhen will the Navratri special trains operate?The special trains will run from September 22 to October 6, 2025, with some additional journeys on 6 and 7 October depending on the route.Which routes do the Navratri special trains cover?One train runs between Prayagraj and Patna, while the other connects Mirzapur with Alamnagar in Lucknow.How many trips will each train complete during Navratri?Each train is scheduled to complete 11 trips in both directions, with an extra journey on October 6 or 7.4. Are these trains reserved or unreserved?These Navratri special trains are unreserved, providing affordable travel options for pilgrims.5. What time do the trains depart and arrive?For example, the Prayagraj-Patna train departs Prayagraj at 11:15 am and reaches Patna at 8:15 pm. Return journeys and timings vary by route.6. Why were these special trains introduced?The additional trains aim to ease congestion, reduce overcrowding, and provide smooth travel for devotees visiting religious sites, especially Vindhyachal, during the festival.Celebrate Navratri 2025: 9 Must-Visit Family Destinations In India