ECR to Run 103 Special Trains for Diwali & Chhath Puja Rush
East Central Railway announces 103 special train pairs to manage Diwali and Chhath Puja passenger rush. Check routes and booking details here.
The East Central Railway (ECR) has announced a massive deployment of special trains to tackle the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals. To ensure smooth travel for millions of commuters, the railway administration is operating 103 pairs of special trains to manage the high volume of travelers.
Connectivity for Major Cities
These special services are specifically designed to provide essential connectivity for passengers traveling from Munger, Jamalpur, Bhagalpur, and surrounding regions. The trains will link these areas to several major metropolitan cities, including:
- Delhi
- Patna
- Ranchi
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- Chandigarh
Comprehensive Train Deployment Plan
Saraswati Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer of the East Central Railway, confirmed the deployment on November 3, 2026. The railway's strategy involves a multi-layered approach to cover all possible passenger needs across the region:
- 103 pairs of special trains originating or terminating within the ECR jurisdiction.
- 5 additional pairs operating strictly within the ECR zone.
- 51 pairs of special trains that will pass through stations managed by the ECR.
In addition to these services, the Malda Division has confirmed that it will attach extra coaches to five pairs of existing express trains to increase capacity for the festive rush.
Important Information for Passengers
Travelers planning to commute during this period should keep the following details in mind to ensure a hassle-free journey:
- Booking: Reservations for these special services can be made through the official IRCTC portal.
- Special Fares: Some services may operate under a 'Train on Special Fare' (TOSF) structure, which includes a surcharge ranging from 10% to 30%.
- OTP Verification: Passengers must be aware of the mandatory Aadhaar-linked OTP verification required for IRCTC accounts on the days when booking opens.
- Service Updates: Travelers are advised to monitor official railway communication channels for any information regarding ongoing maintenance or infrastructure works at various stations.