Indian Railways launches over 100 special trains for Durga Puja Diwali and Chhath festivals
Indian Railways is taking major steps to ensure smooth travel for passengers during the festive season by announcing the operation of over 100 special trains. These festive services are designed to manage the massive surge in passenger traffic during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath.
Indian Railways is operating over 100 special trains totaling 102 services to manage festival traffic between September and December 2026.
These services will account for more than 800 total trips and provide over 57,000 additional berths for passengers.
The North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway, and South Central Railway are coordinating this massive festive initiative.
Bookings are now open via the IRCTC website and mobile app with advance reservations available up to 60 days prior to departure.
Uttar Pradesh and Regional Special Routes
Key routes departing from Uttar Pradesh include services from Kanpur Central to Kolkata on trains 04157 and 04158, which will run 8 trips each from October 6-7 to November 24-25. Additionally, the Agra Cantt to Kolkata route via trains 01911 and 01912 will see 9 trips each from October 1-2 to November 26-27, with the 01912 service departing every Friday at 7:25 AM starting October 2.
From Prayagraj and Subedarganj, NCR has introduced five pairs of festival specials. This includes the Prayagraj-Charlapalli Secunderabad Amrit Bharat train running every Monday from September 28 to November 30, and the Subedarganj-Bhagat Ki Kothi train operating every Monday and Thursday from October 1 to November 30.
Delhi and Long-Distance Connectivity
Delhi-bound services include the Anand Vihar Terminal-Patliputra Reserved Festival Express trains 04096 and 04095, operating 60 trips from October 1 to November 29 via Ghaziabad, Kanpur Central, Prayagraj, and Varanasi. The New Delhi-Howrah weekly special trains 04052 and 04051 will run every Friday from October 2 to November 27. The Anand Vihar Terminal-Bhagalpur special trains 04062 and 04061 will depart at 12:00 PM from October 10 to November 25. Furthermore, the Chhapra-Anand Vihar Terminal weekly festival special train 05085 will run for 8 trips between October 6 and November 25.
Long-distance connectivity has been bolstered by extending the Jodhpur-Chennai special, which will conduct 66 additional trips through December 2026, alongside the Coimbatore-Jaipur special.
Passenger Amenities and Ticketing
These special trains will feature AC, sleeper, and general class coaches to cater to all segments of travellers. To further assist passengers, the North Eastern Railway is implementing mobile UTS or M-UTS services at Banaras, Mau, Ballia, Chhapra, and Siwan stations to streamline general ticket purchases and reduce long queues. Moreover, select regular trains will receive additional coaches to alleviate festive congestion across major routes.