Central Railway Festive Special Trains for Diwali & Chhath Puja
Central Railway launches new special trains from Mumbai and Pune to Bihar and UP for the 2026 Diwali and Chhath Puja festive rush.
Central Railway (CR) has officially approved the launch of five new special train services to manage the massive passenger surge expected during the 2026 Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities. These services are specifically designed to cater to the heavy demand for travel from Mumbai and Pune to key destinations in Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Massive Boost to Festive Travel
In a significant nationwide effort, Indian Railways has deployed a total of 18,000 special trains across the country, marking a substantial increase from the 12,000 services operated during the same period last year. Central Railway's strategy is equally robust, featuring 418 dedicated special train services to handle the holiday rush.
These services will link major terminals including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), and Pune to vital destinations such as Danapur, Samastipur, Gorakhpur, Banaras, Mau, and Chhapra.
Service Extensions and Key Routes
To further ease the holiday congestion, Central Railway has extended the services of 16 existing special trains, adding 36 additional trips that are scheduled to operate through November 30, 2026.
Important Train Updates:
- LTT–Muzaffarpur Special: Additional trips have been scheduled for November 6, 7, 10, and 11.
- LTT Connectivity: Various bi-weekly and daily services will connect LTT to Nagpur, Banaras, and Mau.
- Pune–Danapur Services: These have been prioritized to assist students and workers returning home for the holidays.
High-Tech Safety and Crowd Management
To ensure passenger safety and efficient management of the heavy crowds, railway authorities have implemented several high-tech and logistical measures:
- AI-Enabled Surveillance: Approximately 700 AI-enabled cameras have been installed at major stations to monitor movement.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Divisional-level 'war rooms' have been established to monitor train movements and platform congestion in real-time.
- Station Infrastructure: Stations are being equipped with temporary holding areas, additional ticket counters, help desks, and dedicated medical support teams.
Traveler Advisory
Passengers are strongly urged to verify specific schedules, timings, and live availability through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or by dialing 139. For bookings, travelers should utilize the IRCTC website or mobile applications. If direct trains are heavily waitlisted, passengers are encouraged to check the 'Chart Vacancy' options for available seats.