Diwali & Chhath Puja: Indian Railways to Run 6,200+ Special Trains
Indian Railways announces 6,200 special train trips to manage festive rush for Diwali and Chhath Puja. Check routes and schedules here.
To accommodate the massive surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities, Indian Railways has launched a massive operational plan. The ministry has announced over 6,200 special train trips to ensure smoother travel for millions of commuters across the country.
Massive Boost to Festive Connectivity
The comprehensive initiative includes 50 specific services designed to connect major hubs, such as routes from Prayagraj to Udhna, Delhi, and Udhampur. Beyond these dedicated services, the railway network is getting a significant boost as 42 regular trains have been regularized, contributing approximately 2,600 extra trips to the national network.
Regional railway zones are working in close coordination to manage the increased capacity. For instance, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has introduced three pairs of festival special trains, totaling 14 trips. These services will connect Podanur to New Tinsukia, Ludhiana to Purnea, and Tatanagar to Labha.
Simultaneously, the East Central Railway (ECR) has confirmed 103 pairs of special trains originating or terminating within its jurisdiction to handle the heavy seasonal demand.
Easing Congestion on Major Corridors
According to ECR CPRO Saraswati Chandra and North Central Railway CPRO Dr. Shivam Sharma, the primary focus of these additional services is to reduce congestion across the nation's most heavily traveled corridors. Key routes receiving extra capacity include:
- Delhi–Patna
- Delhi–Howrah
- Anand Vihar–Chhapra
- New Delhi–Gorakhpur
Route Extensions and 'Trains on Demand'
In addition to the special festive services, several regular services are being temporarily extended to provide better connectivity. The New Delhi–Agra Cantt Intercity Express has been extended to Bhamawali Halt, while the New Delhi–Ghaziabad EMU will now run to Aligarh Jn through mid-November 2026.
To offer more flexibility to travelers, the railways are also operating both reserved and unreserved 'Trains on Demand' (TOD). These specific services include routes such as Hazrat Nizamuddin–Jhansi and Ghaziabad–Aligarh.
Stay Updated on Your Journey
With the heavy rush expected, railway officials have strongly urged passengers to verify all travel details before heading to the station. Travelers should confirm their specific timings and stoppages using the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or by contacting the official 139 railway helpline.