Chhath Special Train 2026: Booking Dates, Routes & List

🔔 Travelling home for Chhath Puja 2026? Check confirmed festival seats and smart split routes on high-demand corridors: Delhi ➔ Patna (NDLS to PNBE), Mumbai ➔ Danapur (MMCT to DNR), Pune ➔ Danapur (PUNE to DNR), Surat ➔ Patna (ST to PNBE), or find guaranteed split journeys on Get Confirmed Tickets.

TL;DR

Chhath Puja 2026 begins with Nahay Khay on November 12 and concludes with Usha Arghya on November 15. The main evening ghat offering (Sandhya Arghya) falls on Saturday, November 14. Regular 60-day train bookings opened at 8:00 AM IST in mid-September and regular trains reached REGRET within seconds. To secure travel, book 0-series festival special trains announced 10 to 30 days before departure, find split-berth routes on Smart Seats, or claim unbooked berths via Get Confirmed Tickets four hours before departure.

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What are the key Chhath Puja 2026 dates and travel schedules?

Chhath Puja 2026 spans four days from November 12 to November 15, with Sandhya Arghya on Saturday, November 14. Travellers should plan to arrive in Bihar or eastern Uttar Pradesh by November 10 or 11. The peak return journey window runs from November 16 to November 22.

The four ritual days determine the entire passenger rush:

• Day 1: Nahay Khay (Thursday, November 12, 2026). Devotees take a holy bath and prepare a traditional satvik meal of bottle gourd and rice.
• Day 2: Kharna (Friday, November 13, 2026). A full-day waterless fast ending in the evening with jaggery kheer and roti offerings.
• Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Saturday, November 14, 2026). The primary sunset ritual where families gather at riverbanks and ponds to make offerings to the setting sun.
• Day 4: Usha Arghya and Paran (Sunday, November 15, 2026). Offerings to the rising sun at dawn, concluding the 36-hour fast.

Because families travel together with traditional puja baskets and offerings, arriving at least 24 to 48 hours prior to Nahay Khay avoids last-minute transit delays.

Chhath Ritual Day	Calendar Date	Target Arrival Date	Booking Window (60-Day ARP)
Early Travel / Bhai Dooj	November 10, 2026	November 9–10, 2026	September 11, 2026
Day 1: Nahay Khay	November 12, 2026	November 10–11, 2026	September 13, 2026
Day 2: Kharna	November 13, 2026	November 11–12, 2026	September 14, 2026
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya	November 14, 2026	November 12–13, 2026	September 15, 2026
Day 4: Usha Arghya	November 15, 2026	November 13–14, 2026	September 16, 2026
Return Travel Peak	November 16–22, 2026	Return to metro cities	September 17–23, 2026

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When do Chhath Puja special train bookings open on IRCTC?

Chhath special train bookings open in two distinct phases: planned specials open 60 days in advance at 8:00 AM IST, while supplementary 0-series specials open 10 to 30 days before departure. Supplementary specials are notified by zonal railways through press releases and appear on IRCTC within 24 to 48 hours.

Regular premier trains such as the Sampoorna Kranti Express, Bihar Sampark Kranti, Magadh Express, and Vikramshila Express exhaust their general quotas within seconds of the 60-day Advance Reservation Period (ARP) opening.

Indian Railways introduces hundreds of supplementary festival trains across Northern Railway (NR), East Central Railway (ECR), Western Railway (WR), Central Railway (CR), and South Western Railway (SWR) using two timetables:

1. Scheduled Festival Specials: These follow the standard 60-day reservation clock. Bookings open at 8:00 AM IST for both AC and non-AC classes.
2. Supplementary and Clone Specials (0-Series): These operate on temporary timetables announced between late September and early November. Bookings open 10 to 30 days before the running date once the rakes are allocated and notified in passenger reservation systems.
3. Emergency Standby Clones: When waitlists reach record highs, zonal authorities park standby rakes at major terminals such as Anand Vihar, New Delhi, Patna, and Danapur, opening reservations 24 to 48 hours before departure.

To secure a seat when a special train opens, log into IRCTC by 7:55 AM, ensure your passenger master list is pre-saved, and keep digital payment methods ready.

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Which routes and special trains are running for Chhath Puja 2026?

Chhath special trains operate on high-density corridors connecting major industrial hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Surat, and Bengaluru to key Bihar destinations including Patna, Danapur, Darbhanga, Saharsa, and Muzaffarpur. Most festival trains carry a 0-series prefix denoting temporary festival operations.

These trains are configured primarily with Sleeper, 3-Tier Economy (3E), AC 3-Tier (3A), and General Second Class (GS) coaches to maximize passenger carrying capacity.

Origin Station	Destination	Common Special Train Numbers	Operating Frequency	Major Intermediate Halts
Anand Vihar / New Delhi	Patna Jn	04078 / 04077	4 to 6 days weekly	Kanpur Central, Prayagraj, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU), Buxar, Ara
New Delhi	Darbhanga Jn	04068 / 04067	3 to 4 days weekly	Moradabad, Bareilly, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Narkatiaganj, Sitamarhi
Anand Vihar	Saharsa Jn	04010 / 04009	2 to 3 days weekly	Moradabad, Sitapur, Gorakhpur, Chhapra, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur
Anand Vihar	Muzaffarpur Jn	04044 / 04043	2 to 3 days weekly	Moradabad, Chandausi, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Chhapra, Hajipur
Mumbai CSMT / LTT	Danapur	01061 / 01062	Daily during festive week	Kalyan, Bhusaval, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, DDU, Buxar
LTT Mumbai	Samastipur Jn	01043 / 01044	Weekly / Bi-weekly	Nashik Road, Bhusaval, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Danapur, Barauni
Pune Jn	Danapur	01481 / 01482	3 days weekly	Daund Chord, Ahmednagar, Manmad, Bhusaval, Itarsi, Jabalpur, DDU
Surat / Udhna	Chhapra / Patna	09031 / 09032	2 to 3 days weekly	Nandurbar, Bhusaval, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Katni, Satna, Prayagraj, Ballia
Ahmedabad	Patna / Danapur	09417 / 09418	Weekly	Vadodara, Ratlam, Kota, Agra Fort, Kanpur Central, DDU
Bengaluru (SMVB)	Danapur	06261 / 06262	Weekly	Katpadi, Vijayawada, Warangal, Balharshah, Nagpur, Itarsi, Jabalpur

⚡ Quick Seat Search by Route: Search Delhi ➔ Patna • Check Mumbai ➔ Danapur • Check Pune ➔ Danapur • Check Surat ➔ Patna • Check Bengaluru ➔ Danapur

You can also browse detailed schedules and confirmation patterns on our dedicated Delhi to Patna Train Schedule and Mumbai to Danapur Train Schedule route guides.

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How much extra fare do 0-series Chhath special trains charge?

0-series special trains charge Train on Special Fare (TOSF) rates, which add 10% to Second Sitting (2S) and 30% to Sleeper, 3E, 3A, and 2A base fares. These surcharges offset operational costs for positioning empty rakes, and no concession discounts apply.

Unlike Suvidha trains, whose dynamic pricing increases in slabs as seats sell out, 0-series festival special fares remain flat from the first ticket sold to the last.

Key pricing principles for special trains:

• Second Sitting (2S): Carries an approximate 10% premium (typically ₹10 to ₹20 extra per ticket).
• Sleeper Class: Carries a 30% surcharge above regular mail and express base fares.
• AC Classes (3E, 3A, 2A, 1AC): Carry a 30% surcharge subject to distance-based caps, plus 5% GST.
• No Concessions: Senior citizen, student, and patient concessions are not permitted on special trains. Full adult fares apply to all passengers.
• Catering Charges: Catering is not included in the ticket fare. Because many special rakes lack a functional pantry car, meals must be purchased via IRCTC e-catering or platform stalls.

Here is an approximate fare comparison for a typical 1,000-kilometer journey (such as New Delhi to Patna Junction):

Travel Class	Standard Express Fare	Special Train (TOSF) Fare	Approximate Surcharge
Second Sitting (2S)	₹245	₹260	+10%
Sleeper (SL)	₹475	₹620	+30%
AC 3-Tier Economy (3E)	₹1,180	₹1,520	+30%
AC 3-Tier (3A)	₹1,265	₹1,650	+30%
AC 2-Tier (2A)	₹1,825	₹2,350	+30%

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Can you book Tatkal tickets on Chhath special trains?

Tatkal quota is available only on select Chhath special trains, while many 0-series specials operate entirely under general quota without any Tatkal window. For trains where Tatkal is enabled, bookings open at 10:00 AM IST for AC classes and 11:00 AM IST for Sleeper, one day before the train departs from its originating station.

To find out whether a specific special train has a Tatkal quota:

1. Open IRCTC and search for your origin, destination, and travel date.
2. Locate the 0-series special train number.
3. Click on the Quota dropdown menu. If "Tatkal" is selectable and shows seat numbers, a Tatkal quota exists. If it is greyed out or shows "NOT APPLICABLE", the train operates with 100% general availability.

Because special trains already levy a 30% festival surcharge across all bookings, railway zones often do not carve out a separate Tatkal quota. When Tatkal is not available, look for seats through the standard general quota or monitor post-charting releases.

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What are the cancellation charges and refund rules for special trains?

Cancellation charges on special trains follow standard railway percentage slabs, but deduct higher absolute rupee amounts because deductions are calculated against the higher special base fare. Fully waitlisted online e-tickets that remain unconfirmed after chart preparation are cancelled automatically with a full refund.

The cancellation penalty depends on when you cancel relative to the train's scheduled departure from its originating station:

Cancellation Timing	Refund Amount	Deduction Applied
More than 48 hours before departure	Full fare minus flat clerkage fee	₹240 (1AC), ₹200 (2AC), ₹180 (3A/3E), ₹120 (SL), ₹60 (2S) + GST on AC
Between 48 hours and 12 hours before departure	75% of total fare	25% of fare (subject to minimum clerkage)
Between 12 hours and 4 hours (or chart preparation)	50% of total fare	50% of fare (subject to minimum clerkage)
Less than 4 hours before departure or after charting	No refund	100% forfeiture
Unconfirmed online waitlist ticket after final chart	Full refund	₹0 clerkage (convenience and gateway fees non-refundable)
RAC ticket cancelled up to 30 minutes before departure	Full fare minus clerkage	₹60 flat clerkage

For partially confirmed PNRs (where some passengers are confirmed and others are waitlisted), you must file an online Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) at least 30 minutes before scheduled train departure to obtain a refund for the waitlisted passengers.

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How can you get a confirmed ticket when trains show REGRET or WL?

When IRCTC displays REGRET or high waiting lists on direct routes, you can secure confirmed travel by using split-ticket routing, booking from originating stations, checking post-charting vacancies, or booking clone specials. REGRET indicates that even the waiting list quota is fully booked.

Follow these four proven strategies to secure travel during the peak Chhath rush:

1. Split your journey into contiguous segments on the same train

Direct tickets from New Delhi to Patna Junction frequently show REGRET while intermediate stretches have vacant berths. Using Smart Seats, you can book New Delhi to Kanpur in one coach and Kanpur to Patna in another coach on the exact same train. You travel on the same rake without missing your connection, simply switching seats midway.

2. Book from the originating station and adjust your boarding point

If tickets from intermediate stops (such as Aligarh, Tundla, or Ghaziabad) are waitlisted under restrictive Roadside (RLWL) or Pooled Quota (PQWL), search from the train's originating terminal (such as Anand Vihar or New Delhi). Originating stations carry the largest General Waiting List (GNWL) quota. After booking, change your boarding station on IRCTC up to 24 hours before journey date or before second chart preparation.

3. Check live berths under Current Availability (CURR_AVBL)

Between 4 and 8 hours before departure, zonal chart preparation systems release unutilized VIP quotas, defence quotas, and foreign tourist quotas into the general pool. These berths appear on IRCTC as CURR_AVBL at standard ticket prices. You can view all physical vacant berths across coaches using the Get Confirmed Tickets or check exact chart preparation times on Chart Times.

4. Monitor unannounced standby specials

During the peak travel window between November 10 and November 14, zonal railways frequently deploy spare rakes with 12 to 24 hours of advance notice. Keep watch on East Central Railway and Northern Railway bulletins or check seat availability daily on LastBerth to catch newly opened trains before their quotas fill.

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Common Booking Questions (FAQ)

Can I travel in a Chhath special train with an unreserved general ticket?

You can only travel in designated unreserved General Seating (GS) coaches with a valid unreserved railway ticket. You cannot board reserved Sleeper, 3E, 3AC, or 2AC coaches with a general ticket. Boarding reserved compartments without a confirmed ticket violates Section 138 of the Railways Act, resulting in a ₹500 penalty plus the full fare difference to the next available station.

Do 0-series Chhath special trains provide bedrolls and linen in AC coaches?

Yes. All passengers travelling in AC classes (1AC, 2AC, 3A, and 3E) on special trains receive standard bedroll kits consisting of two bedsheets, a pillow with cover, a blanket, and a face towel. The cost is included in the ticket fare. Passengers travelling in Sleeper and Second Sitting classes must carry their own blankets and bedding.

Are pantry meals available on festival special trains?

Most 0-series special trains do not have an operational pantry car. Meals and refreshments are not included in the ticket fare. Passengers should pre-order food through IRCTC e-catering for station-side delivery, purchase food from authorized station stalls, or carry homemade food and water for the journey.

What happens if my Chhath special ticket remains on the waiting list after charting?

If an online e-ticket remains on the waiting list after final chart preparation, IRCTC automatically cancels the reservation and issues a full refund directly to your original payment method within 2 to 4 working days. You cannot board reserved coaches on a waitlisted e-ticket. If you purchased a physical ticket from a railway station counter, it remains valid for travel in general unreserved coaches only.

How many hours before departure is the reservation chart prepared for special trains?

The first reservation chart is typically prepared 4 to 8 hours before the train's scheduled departure from its originating station. For trains departing early in the morning (before 8:00 AM), charting is finalized the previous evening. The second and final chart is finalized 30 to 45 minutes before departure, after which current booking closes.

Why do special trains take longer to reach Bihar than regular superfast trains?

Special trains operate on provisional timetables without fixed route priority. When tracks experience congestion, regular Rajdhani, Vande Bharat, and superfast express trains receive precedence, causing special trains to be looped for crossings. Plan for an additional 3 to 6 hours of transit time and schedule your arrival at least one full day before your puja ceremonies begin.

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The Takeaway for Chhath Travellers

Getting home to Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh for Chhath Puja requires early preparation, flexible route choices, and fast action. When standard express trains show REGRET, focus your efforts on supplementary 0-series specials, check contiguous split journeys on Smart Seats, track preparation schedules on Chart Times, and claim vacant berths on the Get Confirmed Tickets.

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LastBerth is an independent train seat discovery and passenger information tool. We are not affiliated with IRCTC or Indian Railways. All ticket reservations, cancellations, and official transactions must be completed through official IRCTC applications, websites, or railway reservation counters.