Eastern Railway Special Trains for Post-Chhath Rush
Eastern Railway announces 102 extra special train trips between Nov 6-14, 2026, to manage the post-Chhath Puja passenger surge.
To manage the massive wave of commuters returning from the Chhath Puja festivities, Eastern Railway special trains will see a significant boost. The railway zone has announced 102 additional special train trips to be operated between November 6 and November 14, 2026, ensuring smoother travel for millions of passengers.
Massive Increase in Special Services
The railway is gearing up for a heavy influx of migrant workers traveling from Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal back to their respective workplaces. To accommodate this, the total number of special services for November 2026 has been scaled up significantly.
- Total Special Trips: 901 services scheduled for November 2026.
- Reserved Services: 626 trips.
- Unreserved Services: 275 trips.
This marks an approximately 20% increase in special train operations compared to the previous year, providing much-needed relief to travelers during the post-festival rush.
Key Stations and Routes Covered
The additional services are strategically planned to serve major transit hubs and stations with high passenger volumes. The special trips will facilitate movement through several critical locations, including:
- Howrah, Sealdah, and Kolkata
- Asansol and Malda Town
- Bhagalpur and Sahibganj
- Jamalpur
Enhanced Safety and Passenger Comfort
Recognizing the high volume of foot traffic, Eastern Railway has implemented several measures to improve the station experience and ensure passenger well-being.
Expanded Infrastructure and Medical Support
Waiting areas at major terminals have been expanded to a massive 145,177 square feet to prevent overcrowding. Furthermore, a robust medical protocol has been established at key stations such as Bhagalpur, Malda Town, Sahibganj, Jamalpur, Howrah, Sealdah, and Asansol.
Comprehensive medical readiness includes 24-hour medical booths, emergency medical services, and dedicated Quick Medical Response Teams (QMRT) supported by ambulances.
Sanitation and Hygiene Standards
To maintain a clean environment during the peak period, station authorities have been directed to carry out mechanized cleaning. Targeted cleaning drives will be conducted during peak hours, alongside systematic waste disposal to ensure high sanitation standards throughout the journey.
Traveler Advisory
Passengers are advised to plan their journeys carefully. For the most accurate information regarding exact train timings and seat availability, travelers should consult the official railway enquiry portal or use the NTES mobile application.