Festive Special Train: Indian Railways Launches Patna-Madar Weekly Service With Ara Stoppage for Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath

As millions of travelers prepare to head home for the peak festive season encompassing Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, Indian Railways has announced a major travel gift to ease congestion and streamline passenger movement. To accommodate the massive surge in holiday rush between Rajasthan and Bihar, railway authorities have decided to operate a weekly Puja Special train connecting Madar (Ajmer) and Patna. Offering significant convenience to commuters across the Danapur Railway Division, this dedicated festival service will feature a strategic stoppage at Ara Junction, ensuring seamless connectivity for passengers traveling across northern and western transit corridors.Train Schedule, Route, and TimingsOperated under train numbers 09601 and 09602, the Madar-Patna Weekly Puja Special is structured to provide smooth operational transit. Commencing its journey from Madar, the train traverses major junctions including Kishangarh, Jaipur, Gandhinagar, Bandikui, Agra Idgah, Tundla, Govindpuri, Prayagraj, and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Nagar. Upon entering Bihar, the inbound service reaches Buxar at 4:18 AM, arrives at Ara Junction at 5:44 AM, touches Danapur at 6:28 AM, and finally pulls into Patna Junction at 8:15 AM the next day. On the return leg, Train No. 09602 operates every Friday from October 2 to November 27, departing Patna Junction at 10:15 AM, passing Danapur at 10:30 AM, Ara Junction at 10:58 AM, and Buxar at 11:50 AM, before completing its journey back to Madar and Ajmer by 1:20 PM the following afternoon.Relief for Travelers Amid Heavy Festive RushThe introduction of this weekly special service is expected to bring substantial relief to thousands of migrant workers, students, and families shuttling between Rajasthan and Bihar during the hectic autumn festival months. With regular trains experiencing heavy waitlists and packed compartments, the Madar-Patna special provides an alternative travel window. Passengers planning to utilize this service during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath are advised to check reservation availability early and secure their tickets through authorized railway booking portals.