Special Trains Announcement: Indian Railways to run 400+ trains for Jagannath Rath Yatra and Onam
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the operation of over 400 special trains to help passengers during the upcoming festive season. These trains will specifically cater to the crowds for the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha and Onam celebrations in Kerala. The move aims to provide affordable and safe travel for thousands of devotees and residents.
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Details of Special Trains for Festivals
The railway ministry will operate more than 300 special trains for the Jagannath Rath Yatra, which starts on 16 July 2026 and ends on 24 July 2026. These will be in addition to the 800 regular trains already running on these routes. For the Onam festival in August 2026, Southern Railway will operate over 100 special trains, likely connecting Kerala with cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Puri Station Arrangements and New Services
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited Puri railway station on 7 July 2026 to review crowd management. A special holding area is being built to accommodate over 30,000 devotees at once. Additional ticket counters and food stalls will also be set up to handle the rush. During his visit, the Minister flagged off several new services including the Puri-Koraput Express and Brahmapur-Udhna Amrit Bharat Express.
| Festival/Event | Number of Special Trains | Expected Date/Month |
|---|---|---|
| Jagannath Rath Yatra | 300+ | 16 July to 24 July 2026 |
| Onam Festival | 100+ | August 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the Jagannath Rath Yatra special trains operate?
The special trains will operate around the Rath Yatra period, which starts on 16 July 2026 and ends on 24 July 2026.
What facilities are being added at Puri railway station?
A holding area for 30,000 devotees is being created, along with extra ticket counters and food arrangements.