6,200 Special Trains for Diwali & Chhath: Major Changes in Delhi
Indian Railways announces 6,200 special trains for Diwali and Chhath. Check new platform ticket and parcel rules for Delhi stations.
To manage the massive surge of passengers during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals, Indian Railways has unveiled a massive travel plan. The network is significantly boosting its capacity with thousands of extra trips and strict new regulations at major transit hubs to ensure smooth movement.
Massive Boost in Train Services for Festival Rush
Northern Railway is leading the charge by operating 6,200 special train trips, which represents a significant 30 percent increase compared to the 4,666 trips provided during the same period last year. This surge is designed to handle the heavy influx of travelers heading home for the festivities.
The impact is most visible in the connectivity to Bihar. The nationwide network will manage approximately 15,000 trains traveling to and from Bihar, a notable jump from the standard 12,000 services. This capacity is further bolstered by 42 newly regularized trains, adding roughly 2,600 additional trips to the schedule. Key routes connecting Bihar with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Punjab will see more than 100 pairs of special trains in operation.
Strict New Rules for Delhi Stations
In an effort to prevent extreme overcrowding at critical junctions in the national capital, authorities have implemented strict temporary restrictions. To ensure passenger safety and ease of movement, the sale of platform tickets will be suspended at the following stations from November 3 to November 14, 2026:
- New Delhi
- Delhi Junction
- Hazrat Nizamuddin
- Ghaziabad
- Anand Vihar Terminal
- Anand Vihar Halt
Note: Exemptions to this rule are only granted to individuals accompanying elderly, sick, or specially-abled passengers, as well as illiterate passengers and women who require assistance.
Additionally, to prioritize the movement of people over goods, parcel booking and loading/unloading operations will be restricted at New Delhi, Anand Vihar, and Delhi Junction from November 3 to November 15, 2026.
Improved Passenger Facilities and Infrastructure
Recognizing the heavy footfall, the Railways has upgraded station infrastructure to provide better comfort for waiting travelers. A permanent passenger holding area has been established outside Platform 16 at New Delhi Railway Station on the Ajmeri Gate side. This facility is equipped with:
- Baggage scanners for enhanced security
- Dedicated toilet facilities
- Drinking water stations
Similar temporary shelters and holding facilities have also been set up at major stations including Lucknow, Varanasi, and Ayodhya to accommodate the festive crowds.
High-Alert Security Measures
Security has been placed on high alert to ensure a safe journey for all passengers. The Railways has deployed a multi-layered security strategy, including:
- 24/7 Monitoring: Continuous surveillance through extensive CCTV networks and divisional 'war rooms.'
- Increased Manpower: High-alert deployment of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP).
- Strategic Presence: Additional security personnel have been stationed at entry gates, platforms, and foot-over-bridges.
Railway officials have strongly advised all passengers to arrive at their stations well in advance and strictly follow the guidance provided by security personnel to ensure an orderly boarding process.