Ambala Division Launches Special Trains for Chhath Puja
Northern Railway Ambala Division introduces special trains to Saharsa and Katihar to manage the Chhath Puja rush for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
To manage the massive festive surge, the Northern Railway Ambala Division has introduced Chhath Puja special trains to assist passengers traveling toward Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. These unreserved services are part of a larger effort to ensure smoother transit during the holiday period.
Details of the New Special Train Services
The Ambala Division has activated two specific services to accommodate the increasing demand for travel:
- Train No. 04568 (Sirhind to Saharsa): This service departed on November 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM. It made a scheduled stop at Ambala Cantt Junction, arriving at 2:58 PM and departing at 3:03 PM.
- Train No. 04570 (Chandigarh to Katihar): This train is scheduled to depart from Chandigarh at 11:00 PM on November 9. It will reach Ambala Cantt at 11:50 PM before departing for its destination at 12:00 AM on November 10.
Enhanced Ticketing and Capacity Management
To address the high demand for general tickets and reduce long queues, the railway administration has taken immediate action at Ambala station. The unreserved ticket center has been expanded with eight additional counters to facilitate faster transactions and reduce passenger wait times.
These two services are part of a broader operational plan by the Ambala Division, which has announced a total of 16 festival special trains to manage the collective passenger rush for both Diwali and Chhath Puja.
Crowd Control and Station Facilities
To prevent platform overcrowding and maintain order, the division has implemented a comprehensive crowd management strategy. Major stations, including Ambala Cantt, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Saharanpur, have been equipped with enhanced facilities, such as:
- Temporary holding areas for passengers.
- Additional tents for shelter.
- Expanded waiting room facilities.
Railway officials have issued an appeal to all passengers to maintain patience, strictly follow safety protocols, and cooperate with station staff. They have also urged travelers to avoid creating panic during the boarding and alighting processes.