To ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers during the upcoming Raksha Bandhan festivities on August 28, 2026, Indian Railways has unveiled a comprehensive plan to handle the anticipated surge in footfall. The national transporter will operate several special services and augment existing trains with additional coaches between August 22 and August 31, 2026. Key highlights of the festive arrangements include:
- Six special trains connecting major hubs in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, including Lucknow, Bareilly, Roorkee, and Haridwar.
- Augmentation of eight regular trains with extra coaches, including the Padmawat Express, Ayodhya Cantt-Delhi Express, and Sampoorn Kranti Superfast Express.
- Four pairs of superfast special trains operating between Bhopal and Rewa from August 25 to August 31.
- Additional stoppages for Durgiana Express and Akal Takht Express at Roorkee station from August 13 to August 31.
- New festive services between Charlapalli (Hyderabad) and Velankanni for the annual festival.
Enhanced Connectivity and Capacity
Recognizing the high demand on routes connecting Delhi to Purvanchal and the Vindhya region, the railways have prioritized capacity expansion. By adding extra coaches to popular trains like the Sampoorn Kranti Superfast Express, authorities aim to clear the long waitlists that typically accompany the festive season. Passengers traveling through the Uttar Pradesh-Uttarakhand corridor will benefit from the six dedicated special trains scheduled throughout the last week of August.
Safety and Travel Advice
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) Mahesh Yadav has urged passengers to remain proactive regarding their travel plans. Travelers are advised to confirm their train timings and reservation status exclusively through the official IRCTC website or mobile app to avoid last-minute inconvenience. To ensure a secure environment, Indian Railways has mandated enhanced safety measures across these routes, which include the deployment of additional women RPF personnel to assist and protect passengers during the busy festive period.
Special Services for Velankanni Festival
In addition to the Raksha Bandhan arrangements, South Central Railway has announced special connectivity for the Velankanni festival. Train No. 07125 is scheduled to depart from Charlapalli on August 28 and September 4, 2026, while the return service, Train No. 07126, will depart from Velankanni on August 29 and September 5, 2026. Passengers are encouraged to book their tickets early to secure confirmed berths on these special festival services.