Chhath Puja Rush: Special Trains via Prayagraj Announced!
Indian Railways announces special trains via Prayagraj for Chhath Puja to manage heavy rush. Check Vande Bharat and Delhi-Bihar routes here.
To manage the massive surge of passengers during the upcoming Chhath Puja festivities, Indian Railways has rolled out a series of Chhath Puja special trains. These services are specifically designed to facilitate smooth travel for devotees heading toward Bihar, with several key routes passing through and stopping at major stations in the Prayagraj region.
Major Hubs and Key Stoppages
The special train services will originate from several major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. To ensure travelers can easily reach their destinations, the railways have designated specific stops in the Prayagraj area, including:
- Prayagraj Junction
- Prayagraj Chhivki
- Subedarganj
Vande Bharat and Northern Railway Updates
Northern Railway has taken a significant step by announcing that 31 special trains will be operating from Delhi-area stations on November 11 alone. For those looking for a premium travel experience, a Vande Bharat Festival Special will run between New Delhi and Patna. The schedule is as follows:
- Departures from New Delhi: November 11 and November 13
- Return trips: November 12 and November 14
Additionally, the Udhna-Gaya Unreserved Special (09019) has been assigned designated stoppages within the Prayagraj region to assist passengers.
Enhanced Safety and AI Surveillance
With the expected heavy crowds, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that enhanced safety and crowd management protocols are strictly in effect. The authorities are focusing on both physical security and advanced technological monitoring.
Security measures include the massive deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and the implementation of AI-integrated surveillance systems.
To ensure passenger safety, over 700 AI-enabled cameras have been installed across Delhi stations, while 180 CCTV cameras are actively monitoring passenger flow at Varanasi Junction.
Important Dates for Travelers
As the Chhath Puja observances begin, passengers are advised to plan their journeys carefully. The festival rituals are scheduled as follows:
- Nahay Khay: November 12
- Kharna: November 13
- Sandhya Arghya: November 14
Due to the high demand, waiting lists for regular trains on Bihar-bound routes have surged significantly. Passengers are strongly advised to verify their train schedules, current status, and seat availability through the official IRCTC website or the NTES mobile application before traveling.