Puja Special Trains Shrimata Vaishno Devi Katra to Varanasi | Puja Special Trains Varanasi to Shrimata Vaishno Devi Katra
Puja Special Trains Shrimata Vaishno Devi Katra to Varanasi | Puja Special Trains Varanasi to Shrimata Vaishno Devi Katra
Shrimata Vaishno Devi Katra – Varanasi – Shrimata Vaishno Devi Katra (Train No. 01654 / Train No. 01653) Reserved Weekly Special Train
Train No. 01654 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra – Varanasi Reserved Weekly Festival Special train will depart Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 11.20 hrs every Sunday from 02.10.2025 to 13.11.2025 and will reach Varanasi at 11.45 hrs the next day.
In the return direction, Train No. 01653 Varanasi – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra reserved weekly festival special train will leave Varanasi at 06.15 AM on every Tuesday from 04.10.2025 to 15.11.2025 and will reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 10.55 AM the next day.
This reserved weekly special train comprising of AC, Sleeper and General class coaches will halt at Udhampur, Jammu, Pathankot Cantonment, Jalandhar Cantonment, Ludhiana, Ambala Cantonment, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Bareilly, Lucknow and Sultanpur stations enroute in both the directions.
For detailed timings of above trains please visit www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in or download NTES App.
Here’s the most reliable information available regarding Puja Special Trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Varanasi Junction (BSB)—based on recent patterns and official announcements:
Contents
🚆 1. Festival Specials Operated (2025–2025)
Indian Railways has run festival special trains from Katra to Varanasi and back, particularly during Holi and Puja seasons. For example:
- Train No. 01654 (Katra → Varanasi Holi Special)
- Operated on Sundays from April–July 2025, covering ~1,357 km in ~24 hours, with classes 2A, 3A, 3E & Sleeper available.
- (Base fare example: SL ₹555, 3A ~₹1,505, 2A ~₹2,200.) ([turn0search25]turn0search17])
- Train No. 04604 (Katra → Varanasi Summer Special)
- Ran weekly from April 20 to July 6, 2025, with return service 04603 (Vns → Katra). Mixed-class rake, AC + Sleeper. ([turn0search10]turn0search1])
These trains operate on a festival-based seasonal schedule, not necessarily labeled “Puja AC Special,” but serve similar peak demand periods.
📅 2. Status for Puja 2025
- As of July 2025, no official Puja Special trains have been announced for the Katra–Varanasi route (whether exclusively AC or otherwise).
- Historically, special services for Vaishno Devi pilgrimage during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath are announced between late September and October. ([turn0search18]turn0search6])
📋 What Past or Seasonal Specials Look Like
| Season | Train No(s) | Direction | Frequency | Classes Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holi / Summer 2025 | 01654 | Katra → Varanasi | Weekly (Sun) | 2A, 3A, 3E, Sleeper |
| Holi / Summer 2025 | 04604/04603 | Katra ↔ Varanasi | Weekly | Mixed AC + Sleeper |
| Durga Puja spike | — | — | — | — |
| Puja 2025 status | — | — | Not announced | — |
🧠 User Tips & Observations
- Delays: Trains like 01654 often ran 8–12 hours late, especially when not part of regular timetables.
- Booking: No concessions or Tatkal; bookings typically open ~60 days in advance.
- Coach Types: Holi/Summer specials include multiple classes (2A, 3A, 3E, Sleeper), whereas dedicated Puja specials in the past were often AC-only.
✅ What to Expect / Next Steps
If Puja 2025 specials are confirmed for Katra–Varanasi:
- Announcement likely in late September 2025 by Eastern/Northern Railway.
- Will include train numbers (likely 04XXX series), frequency, coach composition (possibly fully AC).
- Expect fare charts with special surcharge.
Would you like me to:
- Track announcements from Eastern/Northern Railway and notify you when Puja-only specials Katra ↔ Varanasi are confirmed?
- Provide a detailed callback with schedule, stoppages, fares, and booking tips once official?
Let me know, and I’ll be happy to monitor and update you!