To honour the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Indian Railways will run special trains from Patna Sahib and Old Delhi to Sri Anandpur Sahib. The services aim to ensure safe, dignified, and comfortable travel for thousands of devotees visiting the holy town for the solemn commemoration.
Special Services Announced
Indian Railways has announced dedicated special train services to facilitate pilgrims travelling for the Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, revered as Hind Di Chadar for his supreme sacrifice in defence of religious freedom. The initiative focuses on managing the surge in devotees heading to Sri Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, a key pilgrimage centre associated with the Guru’s legacy.
Train Timings and Routes
A 22-coach Patna Sahib Special (all classes) will depart Patna on 23 November at 06:40 hrs and reach Sri Anandpur Sahib at 04:15 hrs on 24 November, returning on 25 November at 21:00 hrs to arrive at Old Delhi around late morning.
An all-AC Old Delhi Special will run daily on 22, 23, 24, and 25 November, leaving Old Delhi at 07:00 hrs and reaching Sri Anandpur Sahib at 13:45 hrs, with the return leg departing at 20:30 hrs and arriving in Delhi at 03:15 hrs.
En route halts include major stations such as Lucknow, Moradabad, Ambala (Patna service) and Sonipat, Panipat, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Sirhind, and New Morinda (Old Delhi service), improving accessibility for devotees across regions.
Significance and Official Remarks
Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu said these services reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to providing smooth, safe, and dignified travel during major religious occasions linked to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life and teachings. The Ministry stressed that the initiative is a tribute to the Guru’s immortal legacy of sacrifice for truth, human dignity, and freedom of faith. Devotees have been urged to plan journeys in advance and utilise these special trains for a hassle-free pilgrimage experience.
Sources: ANI, India Today, All India Radio News, PIB India, Times of India, PSU Connect, DD India