100+ Special Trains for Durga Puja, Diwali & Chhath 2026
Indian Railways is gearing up to manage the massive surge in passenger traffic expected during the 2026 festive season. To ensure smooth travel for millions during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, the ministry has announced the deployment of over 100 special trains, encompassing more than 6,000 special trips across various zones.
Extensive Network to Connect Major States
The special train services are strategically planned to cater to the heavy demand in states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and various regions across South India. Several key railway zones are coordinating this massive operation, including:
- Central Railway
- East Central Railway
- North Central Railway
- Northern Railway
- West Central Railway
- Eastern Railway
Key Routes and Capacity Boosts
To alleviate the pressure on regular services, officials are adding extra coaches to trains traveling toward the North-East, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. Some of the prominent routes scheduled for these special services include:
- Kolkata to Pratapnagar
- Howrah to Khatipura
- Hubballi to Muzaffarpur
- Yesvantpur to Saharsa
- Rani Kamalapati to Danapur
- Jabalpur to Hazrat Nizamuddin
- Varanasi to Delhi
Special Fare and Surcharge Details
Passengers should be aware that these services will operate as special-fare trains, identified by 0-series numbers. As per the guidelines, the following surcharges will apply:
- Second Class: Approximately 10% surcharge.
- Sleeper and AC Classes: Approximately 30% surcharge.
Please note that no passenger concessions will be permitted on these special-fare services.
Advanced Crowd Management in Bihar
With an estimated 1 lakh passengers expected to move through major hubs daily, Indian Railways is implementing robust crowd management strategies. Starting from November 3, 2026, temporary holding areas will be established at 15 major railway stations in Bihar, including Patna, Danapur, Muzaffarpur, and Gaya.
These holding areas are designed to provide essential amenities such as drinking water, seating arrangements, medical booths, train status boards, and loudspeakers to assist travelers during the peak rush.
To maintain order and safety, a 24-hour security war room will be operational to monitor the situation and manage passenger flow effectively.
How to Check Schedules and Book Tickets
Travelers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. You can verify train schedules, stoppage details, and seat availability through:
- The official IRCTC website
- The IRCTC mobile application
- Authorized railway reservation counters