1,500 Special Trains from Maharashtra for Chhath Puja Rush!
Indian Railways will run 1,500 special trains from Maharashtra for Chhath Puja to manage the rush to Bihar and UP. Check station rules here.
To manage the massive influx of passengers traveling for the Chhath Puja festival, Indian Railways has announced a major operational boost. Approximately 1,500 special trains will be deployed from Maharashtra to ensure smooth connectivity for travelers heading to North Indian states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
Massive Boost in Train Services
The festive travel arrangements are being spearheaded by both Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) to provide seamless movement for devotees and families. The breakdown of the special services is as follows:
- Central Railway: The zone is operating nearly 700 special trains, which includes 418 additional trips to facilitate travel to North Indian destinations.
- Western Railway: Has introduced 174 extra services to accommodate the increased passenger demand.
- Unreserved Travel Options: To assist passengers without confirmed tickets, a special LTT-Raxaul unreserved train has been scheduled for departure on November 12, 2026.
Strict Crowd Management and Station Rules
With the expected surge in footfall, authorities have implemented rigorous crowd control protocols at major railway hubs in Maharashtra, including CSMT, LTT, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik. To maintain order and safety, the following measures have been put in place:
Holding areas with capacities ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 passengers have been established at these major stations to manage waiting crowds. Additionally, in a significant move to prevent station overcrowding, the sale of platform tickets at major Maharashtra stations will be suspended until November 15, 2026.
Tech-Driven Safety and Passenger Guidance
Indian Railways is utilizing advanced technology to monitor passenger flow in real-time, including the deployment of AI-based cameras. To ensure a hassle-free journey, passengers are encouraged to follow these guidelines:
- Follow queue-based boarding protocols to maintain safety on platforms.
- Consult the 139 helpline for any immediate assistance or queries.
- Use the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or website to check live updates on train schedules and coach configurations.