Chhath Puja 2026: 18,000 Special Trains to Manage Bihar Rush
Indian Railways to run 18,000 special trains for Chhath Puja 2026, including Vande Bharat services and strict crowd control in Delhi-NCR.
Indian Railways has announced a massive operational surge to accommodate the heavy influx of passengers during the Chhath Puja 2026 festival. To ensure smooth travel for millions of devotees, the national carrier is operating approximately 18,000 special trains across the country, with 295 services dedicated specifically to managing the high demand for travel to Bihar.
Vande Bharat and Key Festival Specials
Among the most anticipated additions are the Vande Bharat festival specials connecting New Delhi and Patna. These high-speed services are designed to provide comfort and speed to passengers traveling for the festivities. The schedule for these premium services is as follows:
- Train No. 02258: Scheduled to depart New Delhi on November 11, 2026, at 05:00 AM, arriving at Patna Junction at 06:30 PM.
- Train No. 02257: The return service will depart Patna on November 12, 2026, at 08:00 AM, arriving in New Delhi at 09:30 PM.
- Train No. 02436: Set to depart New Delhi for Patna on November 13, 2026, at 08:35 AM, arriving at 09:30 PM.
- Rajendra Nagar Terminal–New Delhi Puja Special (02309/02310): This service will complete five trips in each direction between November 11 and November 21, 2026.
Expanded Connectivity to Major Hubs
Beyond the primary Delhi-Bihar corridor, the Railways has established robust connectivity between Bihar and other major metropolitan hubs, including Mumbai, Pune, and Jaipur, to facilitate easier movement for pilgrims and travelers across different regions.
Strict Crowd Control Measures in Delhi-NCR
To prevent overcrowding and ensure passenger safety, Northern Railway has implemented stringent regulations in the Delhi-NCR region. Platform ticket sales have been suspended at several major stations, including New Delhi, Delhi Junction, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Ghaziabad, and Anand Vihar Terminal, until November 14, 2026.
In an effort to streamline station operations and reduce congestion, departmental parcel bookings and loading/unloading activities are prohibited at New Delhi, Anand Vihar, and Delhi Junction until November 15, 2026.
Enhanced Security and AI Surveillance
Major stations in Delhi have been equipped with both permanent and temporary holding areas to manage the massive passenger flow. To bolster safety and order, the Railways has deployed:
- Enhanced security personnel arrangements throughout the stations.
- AI-enabled surveillance cameras to monitor real-time passenger movement and prevent incidents.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has been personally conducting regular reviews of these station facilities and crowd management strategies to oversee the successful execution of these festive arrangements.