Special train between Bikaner-Kolkata
Special train between Bikaner-Kolkata
Pratap Express Festival Special train between Bikaner-Kolkata (Train No. 02496 / 02497) time table, route, frequency and fare
For the convenience of passengers, North Western Railway has decided to run special train between Bikaner-Kolkata (Train No. 02496 / 02497)
Train No. 02496 Bikaner -Kolkata special train
Train No. 02496 Bikaner-Kolkata Special train will leave from (Every Thurs) Bikaner at 05.20 hrs & will reach Kolkata at 13.15 hrs and train running time between the station 31 hour and 55 minutes.
Train No. 02497 Kolkata-Bikaner special train
Similarly, Train No. 02497 Kolkata-Bikaner Special train will leave from (Every Fri) Kolkata at 22.45 hrs & will reach Bikaner at 05.50 hrs and train running time between the station 31 hour and 5 minutes.
Bikaner -Kolkata Distance between the station is 1885 Kilometer
Date of Commencement of Service:
Train No. 02496 from Bikaner -Kolkata special train 22-10-2025 to 26-11-2025
Train No: 02497 from Kolkata-Bikaner special train 23-10-2025 to 27-11-2025
Here’s the most accurate information on special and regular train services between Bikaner Junction (BKN) and Kolkata (Kolkata Chitpur KOAA or Sealdah SDAH) as of mid-2025:
Contents
🚆 1. Festival / Special‑Fare Train: Train 02495 / 02496 – Bikaner ↔ Kolkata Festival Special (via Dankuni)
- 02495 departs Bikaner Thursday ~05:20 AM, reaching Kolkata next day around 13:15 after approximately 32 h (~1,885 km via Dankuni) turn0search0turn0search2.
- 02496 makes the reverse return leg Friday night.
- Classes: typically AC 2‑tier, AC 3‑tier, Sleeper; only general/tatkal quotas; no pantry, and runs at low operational priority.
- This train was operational during Diwali / Puja season 2025—but its future runs are not yet confirmed beyond that.
⚠️ Special trains are generally unreliable—often 5–12 hours late, offer no pantry, and have minimal amenities. Reddit feedback reinforces this caution:
“Special trains… have the lowest priority… expect long delays… no pantry” turn0reddit23turn0reddit19
🚄 2. Regular / Permanent Trains (High Reliability)
12259 / 12260 – Sealdah ↔ Bikaner AC Duronto Express
- Runs 4× weekly, covers ~1,921 km in ~25 h (25h 15m one way) with just 10–12 halts.
- Fully AC only (Classes: 1A, 2A, 3A), onboard catering included, and high-priority service turn0search13turn0search7.
12495 / 12496 – Pratap Superfast Express
- Operates weekly on Thursdays, departing Bikaner ~05:40 AM, arriving Kolkata ~13:05 PM next day (~31h 5m) turn0search12turn0search3turn0search6.
- Offers AC 2A, AC 3A, 3E, Sleeper, General, uses LHB rake, includes e‑catering. No pantry but fares include superfast surcharge turn0search12turn0search2turn0search6.
22308 / 22307 – Bikaner → Howrah/Kolkata Superfast Express (via Prayagraj)
- Runs tri‑weekly, covers ~1,882 km in ~30h 55m. Offers multiple classes and pantry car. Though terminating at Howrah, Kolkata is just a few stations beyond Prayagraj–Liluah and commonly reachable turn0search5turn0search9.
📋 Quick Comparison
| Train No. | Service Type | Frequency | Duration | Classes Available | Pantry / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02495/96 | Festival Special Fare | Weekly (Thurs/Fri) | ~32 h | 2A, 3A, SL (general/Tatkal) | ❌ No pantry; low priority; delays |
| 12259/60 | Sealdah–Bikaner Duronto | 4×/week | ~25 h | 1A, 2A, 3A (AC only) | ✅ Catering; premium, punctual |
| 12495/96 | Pratap Superfast Express | Weekly (Thursday) | ~31 h | AC 2A, 3A, 3E, SL, General | ✅ E‑catering; reliable express |
| 22308/07 | Superfast via Prayagraj | Tri‑weekly | ~30 h 55 m | AC & Sleeper options | ✅ Pantry; runs via Howrah to reach KOAA |
✅ Travel Recommendations
- Prefer Train 12259/60 (Duronto Express) for fastest, most reliable AC-only travel with onboard meals and fewer stops.
- Choose Train 12495/12496 (Pratap Express) if you need more class options (including sleeper/general) with e-catering.
- Superfast 22308/07 is useful when traveling via Howrah, provides daily frequency and pantry service.
- Festival‑special 02495/96 should only be used if it’s officially scheduled—plan for limited scheduling reliability and comfort.
Booking generally opens 60 days before departure. These specials and durable trains are booked quickly—reserve early to avoid waitlists.
Would you like me to check seat availability or fare quotes for any of these on a specific date? I can also monitor IRCTC bulletins if another 02495 run is announced in future.