Eastern Railway Launches 6 Special Trains for Diwali & Chhath Puja
Eastern Railway announces six pairs of special trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja to manage the November passenger surge.
To accommodate the massive surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities, Eastern Railway has announced the operation of six pairs of special trains throughout November. These services, which include both reserved and unreserved options, are designed to ease the travel burden for commuters during the peak festive season.
Key Routes and Connectivity
The new special trains will establish vital connectivity between several key cities, ensuring smoother travel for those heading home for the holidays. The services will operate between major hubs including:
- Sealdah and Howrah
- Bhagalpur
- Patna
- Sitamarhi
- Jaynagar
Railway authorities have emphasized that all special trains will strictly adhere to their pre-determined schedules and designated stoppages to maintain efficiency.
A Massive National Initiative
This move by Eastern Railway is part of a much larger national effort by Indian Railways to manage seasonal demand. For the 2026 festive period, approximately 18,000 special trains are being operated across the country—a significant increase compared to the 12,000 trains run during the same period in 2025.
Crowd Management and Passenger Safety
To handle the high volume of travelers, authorities have implemented rigorous crowd management measures. Major hubs such as New Delhi and Udhna have been equipped with dedicated holding areas. These areas are capable of accommodating up to 20,000 passengers simultaneously and are provided with essential amenities, such as:
- Toilets
- Auxiliary ticket counters
Safety remains a top priority. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been deployed extensively, and enhanced CCTV surveillance is being utilized across high-volume stations to monitor passenger movement and ensure security.
Ongoing Infrastructure Upgrades
While managing the immediate festive rush, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that these operational efforts coincide with a massive nationwide infrastructure redevelopment project. Currently, 1,300 stations are undergoing upgrades aimed at improving long-term passenger capacity, all while ensuring that active train services continue without interruption.