295 Chhath Puja Special Trains Announced for 2026
Indian Railways to run 295 Chhath Puja special trains and 12,000 extra trips to handle the massive festive rush in Bihar.
Indian Railways has unveiled a massive operational roadmap for the upcoming festive season, announcing 295 Chhath Puja special trains to manage the expected surge in passenger traffic. This initiative is part of a larger plan to handle the heavy demand during the Diwali and Chhath Puja 2026 periods.
To ensure seamless travel, the national transporter has scheduled over 12,000 special train trips. In total, approximately 15,000 trains—including both regular and special services—will be operating to and from Bihar to accommodate the millions of travelers heading home.
Key Festive Routes and Services
Various railway zones have introduced specific services to cater to regional travel needs:
- West Central Railway: Three new festival specials will connect Mumbai and Pune to Danapur and Gorakhpur, with scheduled stops at Bhopal, Itarsi, and Bina.
- Northern Railway: New unreserved services have been launched, including the Sirhind–Saharsa (04568) and the Anand Vihar Terminal–Bhagalpur (04456) routes.
- North Western Railway: A weekly special service will operate between Khatipura (Jaipur) and Patna starting November 9, 2026.
Strict Measures at Major Stations
To manage the massive crowds and prioritize passenger movement, authorities have implemented strict protocols at major transit hubs.
Suspension of Platform Tickets and Parcel Bookings
At New Delhi, Delhi Junction, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Ghaziabad, and Anand Vihar Terminal, the sale of platform tickets will be suspended until November 14, 2026. Additionally, to reduce congestion, all departmental parcel bookings and loading/unloading activities are prohibited at New Delhi, Anand Vihar, and Delhi Junction until November 15, 2026.
Crowd Management Facilities
Northern Railway has designated both permanent and temporary holding areas at Anand Vihar Terminal and New Delhi stations to manage the influx of passengers effectively.
Real-Time Monitoring and Passenger Advice
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and zonal CPROs are actively monitoring traffic flow to ensure safety and order. Passengers are strongly advised to stay updated using the following resources:
- The National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or website.
- Calling the helpline at 139 for real-time updates on routes and train statuses.