In a significant move to alleviate travel challenges during the busy summer season, the West Central Railway has announced the launch of a new weekly summer special train. This service will connect Sogaria (Kota) in Rajasthan with Dhanbad in Jharkhand, providing much-needed relief to a large number of travelers. Operating from April 16 to July 11, 2026, the special train aims to accommodate the consistent rise in passenger numbers and ensure a smoother journey for commuters.

What Happened?

The Western Central Railway has introduced the Sogaria (Kota) - Dhanbad - Sogaria (Kota) Weekly Summer Special train, numbered 09821/09822, to cater to the significant increase in passenger traffic. This initiative is a direct response to the difficulties faced by travelers during the peak summer months. Train number 09821, from Sogaria (Kota) to Dhanbad Junction, will commence its journey on April 16, 2026, and run every Thursday night until July 09, 2026. Conversely, train number 09822, departing from Dhanbad Junction to Sogaria (Kota), will begin service on April 18, 2026, and operate every Saturday morning until July 11, 2026.

This special service is scheduled to complete 13 trips in each direction, offering a crucial travel link across various regions. The train is designed to be inclusive, featuring a combination of Air-conditioned (AC), Sleeper, and General class coaches to suit different passenger needs and budgets. The extensive route covers five states and includes stops at 23 stations, facilitating connectivity for a wide range of destinations. Passengers interested in booking tickets for this special train can conveniently do so at any computerized reservation center or through the IRCTC website.

During its journey, the train will make important stops at key locations. Traveling from Sogaria, it will halt at stations such as Baran, Guna, Sagar, Damoh, Katni Murwara, Satna, Prayagraj Chhivki, Mirzapur, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Gaya Junction, Koderma Junction, and Parasnath before reaching Dhanbad. Similarly, on its return journey from Dhanbad, it will follow a comparable route, ensuring comprehensive coverage and accessibility for travelers across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand.

Key Highlights

West Central Railway has launched the Sogaria (Kota)-Dhanbad-Sogaria (Kota) Weekly Summer Special train (09821/09822).
The new train aims to ease passenger congestion and discomfort during the busy summer travel period.
Service from Sogaria (Kota) to Dhanbad begins on April 16, 2026, running every Thursday until July 09, 2026.
The return journey from Dhanbad to Sogaria (Kota) starts on April 18, 2026, operating every Saturday until July 11, 2026.
This special train will complete 13 trips in each direction, traversing through five different states and stopping at 23 stations.
Passengers can choose from Air-conditioned, Sleeper, and General class coaches to suit their travel preferences.
Booking facilities are available online via the IRCTC website and at all authorized computerized reservation centers.

Why Does This Matter?

This new summer special train holds significant importance for common people, especially during the peak travel months when existing train services are often overwhelmed. The summer season typically sees a surge in travel as families go on vacations, individuals visit relatives, and many undertake journeys for work or personal reasons. With the introduction of this additional train, thousands of passengers will find it easier to secure seats, reducing the stress and inconvenience associated with fully booked trains and the need for last-minute, often expensive, travel alternatives. It provides a reliable and affordable option for those planning their summer travels.

Furthermore, the train's extensive route, connecting major states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, enhances regional connectivity. This facilitates easier movement for people living in smaller towns and cities along the route, connecting them to larger urban centers. The provision of different coach types, from AC to General, ensures that the service is accessible to people from all economic backgrounds. This initiative by the West Central Railway demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing public transportation needs, making summer journeys more comfortable, predictable, and manageable for a vast number of citizens.