Train Delays Disrupt Chhath Travel With Over 25-Hour Waits In Patna

Rituals for the widely observed festival of Chhath across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand begin tomorrow, but numerous travelers are facing severe disruptions as trains arriving in Patna face massive delays of up to 26 hours. Services coming from Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Howrah, and other major cities have slowed significantly, leaving commuters uncertain about reaching their hometowns for the celebrations.

Transport Chaos Ahead of Chhath Puja 2026

The operational efficiency of regular express, premium, and festival special trains has deteriorated notably. The Howrah Special Fare Special is running nearly 26 hours late, while the Patna Jansadharan Festival Special faces a comparable delay. Additional services from Anand Vihar Terminal and the Amrit Bharat Express from Rajendra Nagar Terminal are also delayed by roughly 24 hours, severely affecting connecting travel plans and leaving families with children and elderly members waiting endlessly at platforms.

Massive train delays exceeding 24 hours have severely disrupted passenger travel to Patna for Chhath.

Congestion and Overcrowding at Patna Junction

The schedule disruptions have triggered intense congestion and overcrowding at Patna Junction. Commuters were seen jostling to secure entry into trains, with many standing near coach doors, corridors, and even near bathroom areas of general and sleeper compartments. Regular long-distance services, including superfast trains from Mumbai and Surat along with various special trains from Delhi, are also reporting delays ranging from several hours to nearly half a day.

Why it matters

These widespread transportation delays directly affect thousands of families attempting to return home for Chhath, turning a time of celebration into an exhausting ordeal of uncertainty. The congestion at major transit hubs like Patna Junction highlights the immense pressure on railway infrastructure during peak regional festival seasons.