Surat: With summer vacation just around the corner, the Western Railway is stepping up to meet rising passenger demand. Starting March 29, a new unreserved special train will connect Udhna in Surat to Jaynagar in Bihar, aimed particularly at migrant workers heading home.
This initiative is part of the ‘Train on Demand’ (TOD) program approved by the Railway Board. It addresses last-minute travel needs and provides much-needed relief for those scrambling for transport.
Train Schedule and Route
The Udhna–Jayanagar Special, designated as train number 09041, will leave Udhna at 1:30 AM and arrive in Jaynagar by 2:30 PM the next day. Returning from Jaynagar, train number 09042 will depart at 5:30 PM on Monday and reach back in Udhna by 6:15 AM Tuesday.
This service spans about 1,857 kilometers, with stops at major stations like Nandurbar, Bhusaval, Jabalpur, Satna, Prayagraj Chivki, and Patna.
Extensions of Other Services
The Western Railway isn’t stopping there; they’ve also extended several other special trains catering to travelers heading toward North India:
- Mumbai Central–Kanpur Special until July 26
- Bandra Terminus–Bhiwani Special until July 29
- Valsad–Danapur and Surat–Chhapra Specials until June 29
- Sabarmati–Haridwar Special operating till June 29
The frequency of trains like Ahmedabad–Patna and Mumbai Central–Kathgodam has also been ramped up.
Booking Information and Facilities
If you’re planning to book a ticket on these specials, tickets for trains numbers 09425 and 09309 become available starting March 28. Other reservations can be made from March 29 via PRS counters or online through the IRCTC website. Each train will consist of LHB coaches—22 coaches total—with two power cars.
The Railways are also taking steps to combat the summer heat by ensuring extra drinking water facilities at major stations such as Nandurbar, Bhusaval, Itarsi, and Jabalpur.