214 Special Trains for Chhath Puja 2026: Massive Relief
Indian Railways announces 214 special trains for Chhath Puja 2026 to manage the massive rush towards Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
To accommodate the massive surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming 2026 Chhath Puja festival, Indian Railways has announced a major deployment of special services. The North Eastern Railway (NER) will operate 214 special trains, covering a total of 2,044 trips, specifically designed to assist travelers heading toward Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Massive Train Deployment for Bihar and UP
The Chhath Puja festival is scheduled to take place from November 12 to November 15, 2026, with the primary 'Sandhya Arghya' being observed on November 14. To manage the heavy influx of devotees, the NER has organized a comprehensive network of originating, terminating, and passing services to ensure smoother transit across the region.
Delhi Region to See 31 Special Trains
Beyond the North Eastern Railway's operations, the Northern Railway is also stepping up its efforts. A total of 31 dedicated special trains will be run from the Delhi region. These services will depart from major railway hubs, including:
- Anand Vihar Terminal
- New Delhi
- Hazrat Nizamuddin
Upgraded Facilities at Gorakhpur Station
Infrastructure improvements have been prioritized to handle the festive crowds, with a particular focus on Gorakhpur station. To provide better comfort for waiting passengers, four dedicated holding areas have been established:
- Three holding areas located on Platform 1
- One holding area located on Platform 9
These specialized areas are equipped with essential amenities such as seating, drinking water, coolers, and mobile charging points. Additionally, railway authorities are ensuring that major stations are equipped with updated digital train display boards and access to clean toilets.
Enhanced Security and Crowd Management
To maintain order during the peak festival period, enhanced crowd management protocols are currently in effect at several major junctions, including Gorakhpur, Chhapra, Varanasi, and Lucknow Junction. Security measures have been significantly bolstered through the following actions:
- Increased deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel
- Installation of additional CCTV cameras to monitor station premises and passenger movement
Safety Warning: Railway authorities have issued a strict appeal to all passengers, prohibiting the carriage of firecrackers on board trains to ensure the safety of all travelers during the festive season.