Festive Rush 2026: 1,053 Special Trains Announced for Durga Puja & Diwali!
Indian Railways is gearing up for a massive surge in passenger travel during the 2026 festive season. To accommodate the heavy crowds expected for Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath, the national carrier has unveiled an extensive network of special services under its "Trains on Demand" (TOD) initiative.
Massive 61-Day Festive Schedule
A total of 1,053 special trips have been scheduled to operate between October 1 and November 30, 2026. This massive expansion is designed to provide more confirmed seats and alleviate the pressure of long waiting lists during the peak holiday period.
- Booking Details: Reservations for several services commenced on September 6, while bookings for an additional 13 pairs of special trains are set to open on September 19.
- Wide Coverage: The operational plan spans 10 major states, including West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Assam.
Key Routes and Regional Connectivity
Various railway zones, including Northern, North Central, Eastern, Central, Western, and Konkan Railway, are coordinating to facilitate travel to high-demand destinations such as Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Varanasi, Ayodhya Cantt, and Prayagraj.
Bhopal Division and Madhya Pradesh Updates
In Madhya Pradesh, the Bhopal division will operate seven special trains to serve vital stations including Rani Kamlapati, Bhopal, Bina, Itarsi, and Guna.
A major highlight is the Rani Kamlapati-Danapur Special (01667/01668), which is scheduled to complete 11 trips in each direction between October 12 and November 17. This service will provide connectivity through Narmadapuram, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Katni, and Satna.
Additionally, services running between Mumbai and Indore have been extended through late November to support travelers during the festivities.
Upgraded Technology and Capacity Boosts
To ensure