PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, July 5: In an effort to manage the growing passenger demand during the peak travel period in July, Indian Railways has announced the introduction of a special train between Durg and Patna via Ranchi and Bokaro.
The move comes as part of broader steps taken by the South Eastern Railway to provide seamless connectivity and additional capacity for travellers heading towards Bihar and Chhattisgarh during this season.
Train Schedule and Frequency
The weekly special trains will run as follows:
08797 Durg–Patna Special will depart from Durg every Monday at 1:15 pm from July 7 to July 28, and will reach Patna at 3:30 pm the following day (Tuesday).
08798 Patna–Durg Special will depart from Patna every Tuesday at 5:15 pm from July 8 to July 29, and will arrive at Durg at 10:35 pm on the next day (Wednesday).
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Key Stoppages in South Eastern Railway Jurisdiction
To cater to passengers across multiple regions, the special trains will make halts at the following important stations under the South Eastern Railway: Jharsuguda, Rourkela, Hatia, Ranchi, Muri, Bokaro Steel City.
These halts are strategically chosen to serve major urban centers and industrial towns, ensuring convenience for a wide range of passengers, including students, professionals, labourers, and families.
Background and Context
The special train service aims to provide relief to passengers during the Shravani Mela season, as well as to those travelling for academic admissions, job-related movement, and post-summer vacations.
Railways often witness a substantial spike in passenger volume during July due to the monsoon season festivals, return of migrant workers, and reopening of institutions.
The Patna–Ranchi–Bokaro–Durg corridor also serves as a vital route for industrial connectivity and cross-regional trade movement.
Thus, the to-and-fro special trains are expected to benefit not only general passengers but also small traders and seasonal workers.
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Facilities & Booking Information
The special trains are expected to include both reserved and unreserved coaches including Sleeper Class, AC 3-tier, and General Coaches, catering to various travel needs and affordability.
Bookings for these special trains have already commenced through the IRCTC website and authorised railway ticket counters.
Passengers are advised to check real-time train running status and seat availability via the NTES app or official Indian Railways portal.
Appeal to Passengers
Railway authorities have urged passengers to travel with valid tickets and follow onboard safety norms. Passengers are also requested to carry identification proof, arrive early at boarding stations, and ensure hygiene during travel.
