Central Railway to Run 418 Special Trains for 2026 Festivals

Central Railway has unveiled a massive plan to manage the heavy passenger rush during the 2026 festive season. To accommodate travelers during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath, the administration will operate 418 special train services originating from Mumbai, Pune, and Hadapsar.

Dr. Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, confirmed that these services will operate on special charges between October and November 2026. The peak outbound travel period is expected to fall between November 5 and November 7, 2026, while return traffic is anticipated from November 16 to November 22, 2026.

Reservation and Booking Details

Passengers planning their festive journeys should mark their calendars, as reservations for these special services are scheduled to open on September 27 and September 28, 2026. Travelers can secure their bookings through the following methods:

• The official IRCTC website