Record 18,000 Special Trains for Diwali & Chhath Rush
Indian Railways deploys a record 18,000 special trains for Diwali and Chhath to manage the massive festive passenger surge.
Indian Railways has launched a massive operation to manage the upcoming festive season, deploying a record 18,000 special trains to accommodate the surge of passengers traveling for Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja. This significant increase aims to tackle the heavy footfall, marking a substantial jump from the 12,000 special trains operated during the same period last year.
Massive Passenger Surge Expected in Delhi Region
The scale of travel is unprecedented, with official projections estimating that approximately 2 crore passengers will travel by rail from the Delhi region alone during this festive window. To oversee the massive movement of people, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally inspected operations at the New Delhi Railway Station on November 6, 2026, specifically focusing on the Ajmeri Gate side to evaluate crowd management and passenger amenities.
AI-Powered Planning and Real-Time Monitoring
To ensure maximum efficiency, the Railways utilized advanced technology to plan these services. An AI model was employed to analyze 10 years of historical travel data—excluding the COVID-19 period—to pinpoint peak travel dates and high-demand routes.
Security and movement monitoring have also received a high-tech boost. At the New Delhi Railway Station, more than 700 AI-enabled cameras are now active, providing real-time monitoring of passenger movement to prevent congestion and ensure safety.
Enhanced Infrastructure and Large Holding Areas
Major railway hubs have undergone structural and technological upgrades to handle the massive crowds. Dedicated holding areas have been established at key locations, including:
- New Delhi Railway Station
- Anand Vihar Terminal
- Udhna Station in Surat
Each of these holding areas can accommodate up to 20,000 people and is equipped with integrated ticketing counters, improved air circulation, and additional toilet facilities. Furthermore, the entry system at New Delhi Railway Station has been streamlined by consolidating six separate entry points into a single common area to minimize confusion for travelers.
Four-Tier War Room and Standby Rakes
To maintain seamless operations, a four-tier "war room" system has been activated, operating across the Railway Board, various zones, divisions, and individual stations. In case passenger volumes exceed even the most optimistic projections, six train rakes are kept on standby at the Shakur Basti depot for immediate deployment.
Traveler Tips for a Smooth Journey
Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys carefully to avoid last-minute hurdles. For a hassle-free experience, travelers should:
- Verify train details, including departure times and routes, using the NTES app or by calling the 139 helpline for live status updates.
- Book reserved seats for special trains through the IRCTC website or at reservation counters.
- Ensure they hold a valid general ticket for all unreserved services.