Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on July 6, 2026, that Indian Railways will operate a large number of special trains for upcoming festivals. These trains will help passengers travel to Odisha for the Jagannath Rath Yatra and to Kerala for the Onam celebrations. The announcement was made during an event at Rail Sadan in Bhubaneswar.
How many special trains will run for Rath Yatra and Onam?
The Railway Minister confirmed that over 300 additional special trains will be operated for the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha. For the Onam festival in Kerala, more than 100 additional special trains will be deployed. These services are being introduced to manage the heavy rush of passengers during these festive seasons.
What are the key dates for these festivals in 2026?
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is scheduled for July 16, 2026, though some reports mention July 15. For the Onam festival, the 10-day celebration starts on August 16, 2026, with the main day, Thiruvonam, falling on August 26 or August 29, depending on the calendar.
When will the train schedules be released?
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the detailed schedules, routes, and stoppages for these special trains will be announced soon. The government aims to provide safe and affordable travel options for all citizens traveling to these cultural events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many special trains are running for the Jagannath Rath Yatra?
Indian Railways will operate over 300 additional special trains for the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha.
When is the Onam festival 2026 starting?
The 10-day Onam celebration begins on August 16, 2026, with Thiruvonam falling on August 26 or 29.