18,000 Special Trains for Diwali & Chhath Puja 2026
Indian Railways ramps up festive travel with 18,000 special trains and AI surveillance to manage the Diwali and Chhath Puja rush.
To manage the massive festive surge, Indian Railways has announced a significant deployment of Diwali Chhath special trains, totaling approximately 18,000 services nationwide. This massive operation represents a major scale-up compared to the 12,000 special services operated during the same festive period last year.
Massive Connectivity for Bihar and Jharkhand
The rail administration is placing a heavy emphasis on connectivity for the states of Bihar and Jharkhand. For Bihar alone, 106 special services have been scheduled to link major hubs including Patna, Danapur, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, and Darbhanga with mega-cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Key routes identified for this festive season include:
- Shalimar–Thawe Special (08021/08022)
- Ranchi–Gorakhpur Special (08629/08630)
The South Eastern Railway is managing these specific services, while the East Central Railway is overseeing 103 pairs of special trains that either originate or terminate within its zone.
AI Surveillance and Enhanced Security Measures
To ensure passenger safety and efficient logistics during the heavy rush, the administration is turning to advanced technology. Over 700 Artificial Intelligence-enabled cameras have been installed across stations to monitor crowd movement and prevent congestion.
Beyond technological upgrades, several security and management protocols have been put in place:
- Increased deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel to maintain order.
- Establishment of dedicated holding zones for both reserved and unreserved passengers at major stations.
- Enhanced monitoring of passenger flow to ensure smooth station operations.
Ministerial Oversight at New Delhi Station
Ensuring the readiness of the network, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally conducted inspections of the passenger holding areas at the New Delhi Railway Station between November 6 and 7, 2026. The visit was aimed at reviewing crowd management strategies and ensuring all facilities are prepared for the upcoming influx of travelers.
Passenger Advisory: Travelers are strongly encouraged to verify current schedules through official railway channels, as service timings may vary. Due to the exceptionally high demand expected during the Diwali and Chhath Puja period, it is highly recommended to secure bookings well in advance.