Indian Railways is introducing the Train On Demand (TOD) service to help passengers during heavy rush periods. Under this system, special trains will be operated on routes where there is a high demand for tickets. The main goal is to reduce crowding and provide a more comfortable journey for common travelers.
What is the Train On Demand service and how it works
The Train On Demand service allows the railway board to make quick decisions based on the number of passengers. If a route sees a sudden spike in crowds, additional trains will be deployed immediately. This service focuses on providing the right facility at the right time to ensure passengers do not face extreme hardships during peak seasons.
Key routes and operational updates
The service is being implemented across various zones. Some key stations and routes mentioned include Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Gaya, and Asansol. Many of these TOD services are now being converted into permanent weekly trains to provide better connectivity.
| Route/Zone | Update/Action | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| SWR (Ballari-Hubballi) | 3 pairs of DEMU TOD trains made regular | May 2026 |
| Visakhapatnam-Bengaluru | TOD special converted to weekly express | May 2026 |
| Udhna-Jayanagar | Unreserved TOD special approved | May 1, 2026 |
| West Railway | 4 additional TOD services for summer holidays | April 2026 |
| Gaya-Patna | 5 TOD services made permanent | October 4, 2025 |
| Central Railway | 14 TOD services for winter/festivals | December 2025 |
Main features of the TOD initiative
- Immediate deployment of trains based on passenger demand
- Reduction of waiting list pressure during festivals and holidays
- Quick decision making by the Railway Board to provide extra coaches or trains
- Conversion of successful special trains into permanent weekly services for long term benefit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if all seats are full in a train under the new TOD rule?
According to the rules prepared in October 2025, if all seats are filled, the railway aims to run a new train on that route within 30 minutes to help waiting list passengers.
Which zones are currently using Train On Demand services?
The service is being operated by Central Railway, Western Railway, South Western Railway, and East Coast Railway to manage seasonal and festival rushes.