Indian Railways Unveils Massive Plan for Diwali & Chhath Puja 2026
Indian Railways announces 18,000 special trips and strict crowd control at Delhi stations for Diwali and Chhath Puja 2026.
Indian Railways has rolled out an extensive operational strategy to manage the colossal passenger surge expected during the Diwali and Chhath Puja 2026 festive season. With millions of passengers planning to travel home, the ministry is deploying a massive fleet of special trains and implementing strict crowd management protocols to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
18,000 Special Train Trips Announced
To tackle the heavy demand, the ministry is operating approximately 18,000 special train trips across the country. This represents a significant 30% increase in special services compared to the previous year.
A major highlight of this plan includes:
- 106 Bihar-bound special services: These are specifically designed to cater to the massive influx of travelers heading to eastern routes.
- Vande Bharat Express: High-speed Vande Bharat services will be part of the special festive fleet to provide premium travel options during the rush.
Strict Crowd Management in Delhi-NCR
Northern Railway has introduced rigorous measures to prevent overcrowding at major hubs in the Delhi-NCR region. To maintain order on platforms, the sale of platform tickets will be temporarily suspended from November 3 to November 14, 2026, at the following stations:
- New Delhi
- Delhi Junction
- Hazrat Nizamuddin
- Ghaziabad
- Anand Vihar Terminal
- Anand Vihar Halt
Note: Exceptions to this rule will be made for individuals assisting elderly, sick, specially-abled, or illiterate passengers, as well as women who require assistance.
Parcel Service Restrictions to Ease Movement
In addition to passenger management, parcel services will face temporary restrictions to ensure that station areas remain clear for travelers. At New Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, and Delhi Junction, departmental parcel booking will be halted from November 3 to November 15, 2026. Furthermore, all loading and unloading activities at these stations will be restricted between November 5 and November 15.
Enhanced Safety and Station Infrastructure
To improve the passenger experience, authorities have focused on station infrastructure and security:
Passenger Comfort
Major stations have been equipped with dedicated holding areas to prevent platform congestion. For instance, the Yatri Suvidha Kendra at New Delhi station will help manage waiting passengers. Additionally, weather-resistant sheds and designated entry/exit points have been established to streamline movement.
Security Measures
Security has been ramped up through the intensive deployment of:
- Railway Protection Force (RPF)
- Government Railway Police (GRP)
- Additional ticket-checking personnel
All activities are being monitored 24/7 via centralized control rooms and an expanded network of CCTV surveillance to ensure real-time oversight during the festive period.