Indian Railways to operate over 2100 summer special trains for 2026 vacation rush
Indian Railways has announced an extensive plan to manage the significant increase in passenger traffic during the upcoming 2026 summer vacation season. Various railway zones have scheduled more than 2100 special train trips between April and July 2026 to accommodate holiday travelers. These services are designed to provide more confirmed berths and reduce the long waiting lists typically seen during this peak period.
What are the major train routes and schedules for the summer season?
North Western Railway and Central Railway have introduced several long-distance services connecting major hubs. The authorities are also adding extra coaches to existing popular trains to increase capacity. Specific schedules for weekly specials have been released for routes connecting Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.
| Train Number | Route | Operation Days |
|---|---|---|
| 06273 / 06274 | Mysuru – Jodhpur | Mondays from Mysuru, Thursdays from Jodhpur |
| 09709 / 09710 | Khatipura – Howrah | Weekly from April 7 to July 1 |
| 01145 / 01146 | LTT Mumbai – Howrah | Special trips starting April 14 |
| 04624 / 04623 | Amritsar – Kolkata | Weekly via Gorakhpur until July |
How is the railway managing the extra passenger rush?
Railway officials are utilizing Artificial Intelligence tools to monitor ticket booking trends and real-time waiting lists. This data allows the department to add extra coaches or launch new trains exactly where the demand is highest. Amit Sudarshan, CPRO of North Western Railway, stated that these services are demand-based and will continue until mid-July to ensure smooth travel. Additionally, modern passenger holding areas are being established at 76 stations including New Delhi to provide better comfort during the extreme summer heat.