Indian Railways has announced special train services to support the large number of devotees expected to travel for the commemoration of the Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on 22 to 25 November. The services were detailed by Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu, who said the Railways was “honoured to support the pilgrimage” linked to the Sikh Guru’s legacy of sacrifice and defence of religious freedom.
To manage the increase in pilgrim traffic to Sri Anandpur Sahib, two dedicated services will operate. The first, the Patna Sahib Special Train, will run with twenty two coaches. It will leave Patna at 06.40 hrs on 23 November and reach Sri Anandpur Sahib at 04.15 hrs on 24 November. The return train will leave Sri Anandpur Sahib at 21.00 hrs on 25 November and arrive at Old Delhi at 23.30 hrs. The service will halt at Lucknow, Moradabad and Ambala.
The second service, an all AC special from Old Delhi, will run daily on 22, 23, 24 and 25 November. The train will depart at 07.00 hrs and reach Sri Anandpur Sahib at 13.45 hrs the same day. Return trains will leave Sri Anandpur Sahib at 20.30 hrs and reach Delhi at 03.15 hrs. The train will stop at Sonipat, Panipat, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Sirhind and New Morinda in both directions.
Officials said the arrangements have been made to ensure safe and smooth travel for pilgrims observing the solemn occasion. The Railways has urged passengers to plan their journeys in advance and make full use of the special services, which are expected to ease congestion on regular routes during the period of increased travel.
