Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on July 6, 2026, that Indian Railways will run a large number of special trains for upcoming festivals. Over 300 special trains will be deployed for the Jagannath Rath Yatra and more than 100 for the Onam festival. These trains will help passengers and devotees travel comfortably during the rush.
What are the arrangements for Jagannath Rath Yatra?
The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, starts on July 16, 2026. Apart from the 300 special trains, these will run alongside the regular 800+ trains already in service. To manage the crowd, a holding area for 30,000 devotees is being built at Puri railway station. The authorities will also set up extra ticket counters and food stalls for the passengers.
When will the Onam special trains run?
The Onam festival will be celebrated in August, with the main day, Thiruvonam, falling on August 26, 2026. Indian Railways will operate more than 100 special trains to facilitate travel during this period. The official routes and time tables for these Onam special trains will be announced by the railways shortly.
Key details of festival train operations
| Festival | Special Trains | Key Date |
|---|---|---|
| Jagannath Rath Yatra | 300+ | July 16, 2026 |
| Onam | 100+ | August 26, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many special trains will run for the Jagannath Rath Yatra?
Indian Railways will operate over 300 special trains in addition to the regular 800+ trains for the Rath Yatra starting July 16, 2026.
What facilities are being provided at Puri railway station?
A holding area for 30,000 devotees is being developed, along with additional ticket counters and food arrangements to manage the crowd.