Festive Rush: Thousands of Special Trains to Connect Major Cities for Durga Puja & Diwali
Indian Railways is gearing up for a massive influx of travelers during the upcoming festive season. To tackle the heavy passenger surge expected during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath, the ministry has unveiled a comprehensive plan to operate thousands of special train services across the country.
Massive Surge in Train Services Across Zones
The scale of these festive arrangements is enormous, aimed at ensuring smooth travel for millions. The Northern Railway is leading the charge, preparing approximately 3,000 special train trips. Meanwhile, the North Central Railway (NCR) has introduced a highly flexible 'Trains on Demand' (TOD) initiative, scheduling a staggering 1,053 trips between October 1 and November 30, 2026.
Dr. Shivam Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of NCR, stated that the current list of special services may expand further based on passenger demand, highlighting the railway's commitment to managing crowds and maintaining station cleanliness.
Additionally, the South Central Railway is boosting capacity by extending four weekly special trains, providing 66 extra trips through December 2026.
Key Routes and Major State Connectivity
These special services are strategically designed to connect major states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Passengers traveling on these high-demand corridors can look forward to services on routes such as:
- New Delhi to Howrah
- Anand Vihar Terminal to Bhagalpur
- Yog Nagari Rishikesh to Kolkata and Muzaffarpur
- Kanpur Central to SMVT Bengaluru
- Kanpur Central to Madurai
Booking Details and Coach Availability
To cater to diverse passenger needs, the special trains will feature a mix of air-conditioned, sleeper, and general class coaches. This variety ensures that both budget-conscious travelers and those seeking comfort have options during the holiday rush.
Ticket bookings for these festive services officially commenced on September 19, 2026. Passengers can secure their reservations through the following channels:
- The official IRCTC portal
- Official PRS counters
Travelers are advised to follow the standard 60-day advance booking window to ensure they secure their preferred seats for the holiday season.