Parliament Question: Rajgir-Howrah-Rajgir Fast Passenger Train

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1634 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2026 RAJGIR-HOWRAH-RAJGIR FAST PASSENGER TRAIN †1634. SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that the Rajgir-Howrah-Rajgir fast passenger train was discontinued during COVID-19 pandemic which was an important mode of transport for a large number of Buddhist/Jain pilgrims and tourists visiting the historical and religious sites of Nalanda; (b) whether it is also a fact that the Malmas Mela Special Train was operated between Rajgir- Howrah-Rajgir for one month on the occasion of the Malmas Mela at Rajgir during the current year and that the service has subsequently been extended for another month as the Shravani Mela Special Train for pilgrims visiting Baba Bholenath at Deoghar and if so, the details thereof; and (c) whether the Government is considering the restoration of the Rajgir- Howrah-Rajgir fast passenger train as a regular service as it was being operated earlier keeping in view the convenience of pilgrims and tourists and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (c) Presently, 03001/03002 Howrah-Natesar Shravani Mela Special (via Rajgir) is catering to the needs of Howrah-Rajgir sector while 03029/03030 Howrah-Rajgir Special (via Bhagalpur-Kiul) was operated from 16.05.2026 to 18.06.2026. Further, Indian Railways (IR), operates Special train services during festivals, holidays, etc. to cater to the extra needs of passengers and to supplement the accommodation available by regular trains. § Page 1 of 2Besides, introduction of train service on any route/section, which is an on-going process, depends on various factors which include: ● Capacity of that section. ● Availability of path. ● Availability of required rolling stock. ● Availability of matching infrastructure for rolling stock. ● Maintenance requirement of railway tracks and other assets. ● Occupancy and the traffic requirement of the section. ***** Page 2 of 2