1,053 Festive Special Trains: NCR's Massive Plan for Diwali & Chhath Puja Travel!
Indian Railways has launched a massive operation to manage the expected passenger surge during the upcoming festive season. The North Central Railway (NCR) has announced 1,053 'Trains on Demand' (TODs) to ensure smoother travel for millions during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja.
A 61-Day Festive Travel Window
These special services are scheduled to run for a total of 61 days, starting from October 1, 2026, through November 30, 2026. The deployment is strategically timed to cover major celebrations, including Diwali on November 8 and the Chhath Puja festivities from November 13 to 16, 2026.
Dr. Shivam Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Central Railway, confirmed that these special trips are designed to provide essential travel options for passengers who are unable to secure confirmed berths on regular scheduled services. As of September 19, 2026, the number of trips may be expanded based on real-time passenger demand. Travelers can book these services 60 days in advance via the IRCTC website and mobile application.
"The TODs are intended to provide essential travel options for passengers unable to secure confirmed berths on regular services."
Connecting Major Hubs to Festive Regions
The special train network is designed to bridge the gap between major employment and education centers and the home states of many commuters. The routes will connect several key stations, including:
- Kolkata, Prayagraj, and Kanpur Central
- New Delhi, Palwal, and Anand Vihar Terminal
- Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Junction and Hazrat Nizamuddin
- Gwalior, Dadri, and Agra Cantonment
- Pune, Hadapsar, Khajuraho, and Tiruchanur
This extensive network focuses heavily on providing connectivity to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, with a strategic emphasis on reaching eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Enhanced Safety and Station Management
To handle the massive crowds and ensure a smooth journey, the North Central Railway is implementing several operational measures:
- Real-time Monitoring: Actively tracking waiting lists across all routes to manage demand.
- Increased Security: Deploying additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) and commercial personnel to stations.
- Cleanliness Standards: Maintaining an intensified focus on both station and onboard cleanliness.
While the North Central Railway is leading this specific deployment, the broader Indian Railways network is also participating. A total of 13 railway zones and 43 pairs of trains are operating coordinated special services. Some of these trains will run daily, while others will operate on specific days of the week, with extended periodicity for various weekly express services in regions like Andhra Pradesh to accommodate the festive rush.