Diwali & Chhath Puja Rush: New Special Trains for Delhi, Bihar & Mumbai
Indian Railways launches new special trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja to manage the heavy passenger rush between Delhi, UP, Bihar, and Mumbai.
To tackle the massive surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming festive season, Indian Railways has announced the introduction of three additional pairs of special trains. These services are specifically aimed at providing relief to commuters traveling between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Mumbai during the Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations.
Key Festive Routes and Timetables
The new special train services are designed to connect high-demand routes, ensuring smoother travel for families returning home for the festivals.
- Chhapra to Anand Vihar Terminal (Train No. 04057): This service will run for five trips between November 3 and November 17, 2026, operating on Fridays and Tuesdays. Key stops include Govindpuri (08:40-08:45 AM), Tundla Junction (11:58-12:00 PM), and Ghaziabad (04:21-04:23 PM), before arriving at Anand Vihar Terminal at 05:00 PM.
- Gorakhpur to Bandra Terminus (Train No. 05091): Operating on November 9 and November 16, 2026, this train departs Gorakhpur at 09:55 PM on Mondays. It will call at Basti (11:20-11:22 PM), Gonda Junction (01:10-01:15 AM), Badshahnagar (04:00-04:02 AM), and Aishbagh (04:50-05:00 AM).
- Bandra Terminus to Gorakhpur (Train No. 05092): The return journey is scheduled for November 11 and November 18, 2026.
- Mau to Anand Vihar: An additional service has also been announced to cater to passengers on this route.
A Massive Festive Travel Strategy
These new additions are part of a much larger operation by Indian Railways to manage the holiday rush. A total of 1,053 special train trips are planned between October 1 and November 30, 2026.
Central Railway is currently managing approximately 1,000 special trains, providing 9.25 lakh seats. Occupancy for these services has already hit 85% as of late October. Meanwhile, Northern Railway has finalized a timetable for 45 pairs of special trains to connect Northern India with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the Northeast.
Strict Vigilance and Passenger Guidelines
To ensure order and prevent ticket fraud, railway officials have launched a 24-hour mega-checking campaign running through October 31, 2026. This initiative aims to combat ticket touting and the misuse of concessions.
Mandatory Requirements for Travelers
Passengers are strictly advised to carry original, valid identity proofs to avoid being treated as ticketless travelers. Accepted documents include:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- PAN Card
- Driving License
- Nationalized Bank Photo Passbook
Note: The minimum fine for traveling without a valid ticket was increased to ₹500 on June 20, 2026.
For real-time updates and travel information, passengers are encouraged to contact the railway inquiry number 139.