100+ Special Trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja 2026
Indian Railways announces over 100 special trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja 2026 to manage passenger surge between Delhi, UP, Bihar, and more.
Indian Railways is gearing up for the massive festive rush by launching over 100 Diwali Chhath Puja special trains across the nation. To accommodate the record-breaking passenger demand expected during the November 2026 festive season, these special services will operate between November 3 and November 30, helping travelers reach their hometowns and return to work seamlessly.
Major Routes: Connecting Delhi, UP, and Bihar
A significant portion of these special services is designed to ease the heavy traffic between the Delhi/NCR region and the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Major departure points include:
- New Delhi
- Anand Vihar Terminal
- Hazrat Nizamuddin
These trains will provide direct connectivity to key destinations such as Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Gorakhpur, Chhapra, and Ballia. The Northern Railway alone has planned a massive operation involving over 6,200 special train trips to cater to this seasonal influx.
Expanding Connectivity Across India
The festive special train network extends far beyond the northern plains, ensuring connectivity for travelers from various corners of the country.
West Bengal and Eastern Connections
Passengers traveling from West Bengal to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh can benefit from services operating from Sealdah and Howrah to destinations including Jaynagar and Gorakhpur.
Central and Western Routes
The East Central Railway is facilitating connections to central hubs including Bhopal, Kota, and Gwalior. Additionally, the railway network will feature routes connecting Gujarat to Uttarakhand, as well as services connecting Punjab to Bihar.
Crowd Management and Unreserved Travel
To prevent overcrowding and ensure passenger safety during the peak travel period, authorities have implemented several strategic measures:
- Temporary Holding Areas: Starting November 3, 15 major stations across Bihar will feature temporary passenger holding areas to manage the influx of travelers.
- Unreserved Special Trains: Several railway zones have introduced fully unreserved special trains. This allows passengers to purchase tickets directly at station counters, significantly reducing the pressure on the reserved quota system.
Passengers are strongly advised to verify real-time train timings, stoppages, and seat availability through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) website or the official IRCTC portal before planning their journey.
For any immediate assistance or queries, travelers can contact the official railway helpline by dialing 139.