To manage the expected festive rush during Raksha Bandhan, Indian Railways has officially announced the operation of **six special trains** between Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. These additional services are scheduled to run from **August 22 to August 31, 2026**, specifically designed to reduce overcrowding and accommodate passengers unable to secure berths on regular services during the festival, which falls on August 28.
Key highlights of the festive special services include:
- Operation of six dedicated special trains between major cities like Lucknow, Bareilly, Roorkee, and Haridwar.
- The Lucknow-Haridwar special (04330) will run from August 27 to August 29, 2026, with the return service (04329) operating from August 28 to August 30, 2026.
- Stoppages at key stations including Hardoi, Shahjahanpur, Moradabad, Najibabad, Rampur, Muzaffarnagar, and Laksar.
- Addition of extra coaches to eight regular trains connecting Delhi and Purvanchal to clear waitlists.
Enhanced Capacity and Operational Details
Beyond the dedicated special trains, the Railways is taking proactive steps to increase seating capacity on busy routes. **Extra coaches will be attached to eight existing regular trains** that pass through the Moradabad corridor. This initiative specifically targets high-demand services, including the **Padmawat Express (14207 & 14208)**, **Ayodhya Cantt-Delhi Express (14205 & 14206)**, and the **Sampoorn Kranti Superfast Express (20393)**. By augmenting these trains, officials aim to convert a significant number of waitlisted tickets into confirmed bookings.
Safety and Passenger Advisory
Senior DCM Mahesh Yadav has advised all passengers to **verify their train timings and reservation status** via the official IRCTC website or mobile app before heading to the station. To ensure a secure travel environment, the Railways has mandated strict safety protocols. This includes the deployment of additional women RPF personnel and the active implementation of **”Operation Meri Saheli”** to provide enhanced security for women passengers throughout the festive period. Travelers are encouraged to plan their journeys well in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience at the stations.