Indian Railways to Run 50 Special Trains for Diwali & Chhath 2026
Indian Railways announces 50 pairs of special trains for Diwali and Chhath 2026 to manage the festive rush in Delhi, Mumbai, Bihar, and more.
Indian Railways has announced a massive expansion of its train services to manage the heavy passenger influx expected during the Diwali and Chhath Puja 2026 festive season. To ensure smooth travel for millions, authorities are introducing a significant number of special trains connecting major metropolitan hubs with key destinations.
Lucknow Division to Operate 1,682 Festive Trips
The Lucknow Railway Division is taking center stage in this festive rollout, set to operate 50 pairs of special trains. This initiative will facilitate a total of 1,682 trips, providing much-needed connectivity between major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bihar.
Samarth Gupta, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager for the Lucknow Division, noted that these special services have been strategically routed to optimize travel options for commuters during the peak season.
Massive Capacity Boost Across Northern Railway
The Northern Railway is significantly scaling up its operations, planning over 6,200 festival special train trips. This represents a substantial 30% increase in capacity compared to the previous year, aimed at reducing overcrowding.
Specific focus has been placed on the Gorakhpur route to assist travelers heading toward Bihar. The North Eastern Railway's Lucknow division has allocated 10 pairs of special trains for this corridor. Gaurav Agarwal, DRM of the Lucknow Division, emphasized that the Gorakhpur-Lucknow link remains a vital artery for passengers during this period.
Relief for Unreserved Passengers
To tackle the intense waitlist pressures, the Eastern Railway has introduced five pairs of unreserved special trains. These services will link Howrah and Sealdah in West Bengal directly to various destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, offering a more flexible travel option for commuters.
Enhanced Security and Crowd Management
With the expected surge in footfall, railway authorities are prioritizing safety and passenger comfort. Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway, confirmed that security measures and passenger facilities at key stations have been upgraded.
- Crowd Control: Dedicated teams have been deployed at major terminals to maintain order.
- Holding Areas: Starting November 3, temporary passenger holding areas will be operational at 15 major railway stations in Bihar.
Passengers are strongly advised to verify specific routes, exact timings, and operational dates through official railway channels or authorized booking platforms, as schedules may vary based on real-time demand.