Diwali & Chhath: 15,000 Special Trains & 13,000 Buses!
Indian Railways and UPSRTC announce 15,000 special trains and 13,000 buses to manage the massive Diwali and Chhath Puja festive travel rush.
To manage the massive surge in passengers during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals, the Indian Railways and the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) have rolled out a massive Diwali Chhath festive travel plan. This dual-pronged approach aims to ensure that millions of travelers can reach their destinations safely and efficiently during the holiday season.
Massive Railway Expansion for Festive Rush
The Indian Railways has significantly scaled up its operations to accommodate the holiday crowd. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that approximately 15,000 special trains are being operated nationwide to facilitate movement. A primary focus of this operation is to bolster connectivity between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, ensuring that major migration routes remain fluid.
Special Arrangements in Lucknow
In Lucknow alone, the railway administration has implemented heavy-duty measures to handle the local and transit rush. The following arrangements are in place:
- 78 pairs of special trains are currently operating to manage the holiday surge.
- Several unreserved special trains have been introduced specifically for last-minute travelers who may not have confirmed bookings.
- Specialized teams have been deployed at stations to manage crowd control and passenger assistance.
UPSRTC Mobilizes 13,000 Buses
Complementing the rail network, the UPSRTC has mobilized a fleet of 13,000 buses to serve the state's most heavily traveled routes. This massive road transport deployment is designed to provide an alternative for those unable to secure train tickets.
From November 6 to November 17, buses on key routes will be available at 10-minute intervals. Major routes being served include:
- Varanasi
- Prayagraj
- Gorakhpur
- Sitapur
- Raebareli
- Sultanpur
- Bareilly
- Kanpur
- Ayodhya
- Delhi
Important Traveler Advisory
To ensure a smooth journey, officials have issued several critical advisories for passengers:
"Passengers are strongly advised to verify all train schedules and seat availability through the IRCTC website or the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) before heading to the station."
Additionally, travelers should keep the following in mind:
- Arrive Early: Due to the high volume of passengers, arrive at railway stations and bus terminals well ahead of your scheduled departure.
- Traffic Diversions: Traffic diversions are currently in effect in and around Lucknow until November 9. Please account for extra travel time when navigating toward terminals.