Indian Railways Adds 6,200 Special Trips for Diwali & Chhath Puja
Indian Railways boosts capacity with 6,200 special trips and 39 extra coaches to manage the Diwali and Chhath Puja passenger rush.
To accommodate the massive surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festive season, Indian Railways has announced a significant capacity boost. With more than 6,200 special train trips scheduled, the administration is making major efforts to reduce long waiting lists and ensure travelers can reach their destinations with confirmed seats.
Massive Capacity Boost via Extra Coaches
A crucial part of this festive plan involves the addition of 39 extra coaches distributed across 16 pairs of special trains. This initiative is specifically designed to provide much-needed relief to passengers traveling during the peak holiday window.
Northern Railway Leads the Festive Operations
The Northern Railway zone is playing a pivotal role in managing this heavy demand. The zone has announced approximately 3,600 special trips. Additionally, the regularization of 42 new trains is expected to contribute an additional 2,600 trips during the height of the festival season, significantly strengthening the network capacity.
Focus on High-Density Corridors
The capacity expansion is strategically concentrated on high-density corridors that connect the national capital, Delhi, to major destinations in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. This ensures that the most heavily traveled routes receive the most support during the rush.
Notable special services include:
- New Delhi–Howrah Special
- Anand Vihar Terminal–Sabour Special (scheduled for November 2026)
These services will provide connectivity through key stations such as Bhagalpur, Sultanganj, and Jamalpur within the Eastern Railway jurisdiction. To cater to all types of travelers, the train sets will feature a combination of:
- General second-class coaches
- Sleeper class coaches
- Air-conditioned coaches
Important Advice for Passengers
Railway officials have emphasized that these arrangements are designed to facilitate seamless travel for those returning home for the festivals. Passengers are strongly advised to monitor the official IRCTC platform for real-time updates on schedules and seat availability, as conditions may fluctuate rapidly during this high-demand period.