Indian Railways Launches Festive Specials & Restores Kota Stoppage
To manage the massive surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming festival season, Indian Railways has announced a significant expansion of its services. The ministry is introducing thousands of special train trips to accommodate travelers during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, while also restoring key station stoppages for regular services.
Jodhpur Division Boosts Festive Connectivity
The Jodhpur Division is taking a proactive step by introducing seven pairs of special trains. These services are expected to complete 76 trips over the next month and a half, providing essential links to several major destinations. Passengers can utilize these trains to reach Gorakhpur, Haridwar, Subedarganj, Bandra Terminus, Chennai Beach, and Danapur.
Relief for Kota Commuters
In a major update for regional travelers, the Jodhpur–Bhopal–Jodhpur Express has officially resumed its scheduled stoppage at Kota station. This restoration, which became effective on Monday, October 19, 2026, follows the completion of extensive redevelopment work at the station. The update was confirmed by Divisional Railway Manager Anurag Tripathi.
Massive Nationwide Festive Operations
The scale of the festive operation is immense, with Indian Railways notifying a total of 8,454 special train trips to meet seasonal demand. This is part of a larger operational plan to run 3.4 lakh regular train trips between October 1 and November 30, 2026.
Various railway zones have announced specific services to assist travelers:
- Northern Railway: Running a tri-weekly Vande Bharat festival special between New Delhi and Patna Junction from October 21 to November 26, 2026.
- Central Railway: Operating 418 special services, including weekly unreserved festival specials between Hadapsar and Muzaffarpur.
- Eastern Railway: Scheduling 1,354 special trips, marking a 12.08% increase in services compared to the previous year.
Booking and Travel Information
Travelers planning their journeys are encouraged to book in advance, as many festival special services allow for bookings up to 60 days ahead. For the most accurate information regarding specific timings and seat availability, passengers should consult the official Indian Railways enquiry portal or use the NTES mobile application.