The newly launched Kolkata–Sairang Express has seen overwhelming demand, recording more than 140% occupancy within just weeks of beginning operations.
The train, inaugurated on September 13 and opened for commercial services on September 18, connects Mizoram’s capital region with Kolkata over a distance of 1,530 km. Operated by Eastern Railway, the biweekly service runs three days a week—Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday—under train numbers 13125/13126. The journey takes nearly 31 hours.
Heavy Festive Rush
Railway data shows that the service has been running full since its launch, with demand peaking during the Durga Puja holiday season. Train 13126 (Sairang–Kolkata) has reported near 100% occupancy, while the return service, 13125 (Kolkata–Sairang), touched 144.8%. Sleeper class bookings alone reached around 144% occupancy, with all other classes—Sleeper, AC 3 Economy, AC 3 Tier, and AC 2 Tier—showing waitlisted status during the festive period.
Route and Halts
The Kolkata–Sairang Express makes 24 scheduled stops along its route, including key junctions such as New Jalpaiguri, Guwahati, Kamakhya, Badarpur, and Bairabi. Other stops include Naihati, Krishnanagar City, Murshidabad, Malda Town, Kishanganj, New Coochbehar, Hailakandi, and New Haflong, among others.
The service consists of 22 coaches: two AC 2-Tier, five AC 3-Tier, two AC 3-Tier Economy, seven Sleeper Class, four General Second Class, one luggage-cum-generator car, and one SLRD coach.
Schedule
- Train 13125 (Kolkata–Sairang): Departs Kolkata at 12:25 hrs, arrives Sairang at 19:45 hrs the following day.
- Train 13126 (Sairang–Kolkata): Departs Sairang at 07:15 hrs, reaches Kolkata at 14:30 hrs the next day.
The train has quickly emerged as a vital link between the Northeast and eastern India, reflecting strong passenger demand for improved long-distance connectivity.
