Delhi-Varanasi Special Train Announced for Janmashtami Rush

VARANASI: Northern Railway has announced a reserved special express between Delhi and Varanasi for the Janmashtami travel rush, adding two journeys in each direction between September 3 and September 6.

Train 04446 will leave Delhi at 9.10 pm on September 3 and 5. It is scheduled to run via Ghaziabad, Hapur, Moradabad, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Lucknow, Ayodhya Cantt and Jaunpur Junction before reaching Varanasi at 3 pm the following day. At Lucknow, the arrival is scheduled for 6.30 am with departure ten minutes later.

The return service, train 04445, will depart Varanasi at 8.15 pm on September 4 and 6. It will reach Jaunpur Junction at 9.18 pm, Lucknow at 2.10 am and New Delhi at 11.15 am before completing the run at Delhi at 11.45 am, according to the timetable circulated with the announcement.

The 18-coach formation includes one second-AC coach, one third-AC coach, 10 sleeper coaches, four general coaches and two luggage-cum-guard vans. Although the service has general accommodation, the railway has described it as a reserved special, so passengers should check the booking status and coach rules for their class rather than assume they can board with only a platform ticket.

The timing is useful for devotees and families travelling towards Kashi during the festival period, as well as Varanasi residents returning from the National Capital Region. Stops at Ayodhya and Jaunpur also connect the service to a wider religious and regional travel circuit.

Special trains can have fares and operating conditions that differ from regular services. Travellers should confirm the train number, boarding station and date printed on the ticket. Delhi and New Delhi are separate entries in the schedule, and arriving at the wrong terminal can be costly when departure is at night.

Passengers are advised to use the railway helpline 139, RailMadad or the RailOne application for live information. Platform assignments and running status may change, particularly during heavy rain or congestion on the route. Food, water and essential medicines should be carried for the overnight journey, while valuables should remain in hand luggage.

The service is limited to two round trips, not a permanent timetable addition. Its value lies in adding capacity exactly when regular trains are likely to be crowded. For travellers planning a Janmashtami journey, the key numbers are 04446 towards Varanasi and 04445 towards Delhi—and the key precaution is to verify the date before leaving for the station. Identification and booking details should remain accessible.