Diwali & Chhath Puja Special: ECR to Run 6 New Trains for Bihar, Punjab & South India
The East Central Railway (ECR) has stepped up to tackle the massive passenger surge expected during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals. To provide relief to commuters and ensure confirmed seat availability, the railway administration has announced the operation of six festival special trains.
Key Routes for Festive Travelers
These special services consist of three pairs of trains, specifically designed to connect major regions including Bihar, Punjab, Rajasthan, and South India. The newly introduced routes are:
- Shri Ganganagar – Samastipur
- Podanur – Barauni
- Ernakulam – Patna
Important Schedule and Details
Passengers planning their festive journeys should keep the following details in mind to facilitate smoother travel:
- Operational Period: These special services are scheduled to run from October 1 to November 30, 2026.
- Primary Goal: The initiative aims to manage the heavy holiday demand and provide reliable transport for those heading home.
A Nationwide Festive Push
The announcement by ECR is part of a much larger initiative by Indian Railways to manage the holiday season across the country. More than 100 special train services are being operated nationwide, encompassing over 1,053 individual trips.
In addition to the ECR updates, the Central Railway has also announced a massive plan to operate 418 special trains from Mumbai, connecting passengers to various parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra. Railway officials are currently reviewing status reports from various zonal offices to determine the final number of trains and the frequency of trips required to handle the holiday demand effectively.