Northern Railway: 150 Special Trains for Chhath Puja Rush
Northern Railway announces 150 special trains and enhanced station facilities at Anand Vihar to manage the Chhath Puja passenger rush.
To tackle the massive passenger surge during the upcoming festive season, Northern Railway has unveiled a comprehensive travel plan. A total of 150 special trains will operate from Delhi to ensure smooth transit for devotees heading home for Chhath Puja.
Massive Boost in Festive Services
The railway administration is significantly ramping up operations this year to accommodate the post-Diwali rush. During the combined Diwali and Chhath Puja period, over 6,200 special trips are scheduled to run. This marks a substantial 30 percent increase in services compared to the previous year, reflecting the railway's commitment to handling the heightened demand.
Key Special Trains in Operation
To manage the heavy influx of passengers, additional unreserved services have already been rolled out. Some of the key trains include:
- Sirhind–Saharsa (04568), which commenced its journey on November 9, 2026.
- Anand Vihar Terminal–Bhagalpur (04456), which also departed on November 9, 2026.
Enhanced Station Infrastructure at Anand Vihar
Beyond just increasing the number of trains, Northern Railway is focusing heavily on crowd management and passenger comfort. Major hubs are being upgraded to prevent congestion and ensure a seamless experience for travelers.
At Anand Vihar Terminal, a new permanent holding area has been established to complement the existing facilities at New Delhi station. Additionally, a temporary holding area has been set up at Anand Vihar to handle the overflow of passengers during peak hours.
These dedicated zones are fully equipped to provide essential services, including:
- UTS ticket counters for quick ticketing
- Modern restrooms for passenger convenience
- Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs)
- Catering stalls for food and refreshments
- Dedicated "May I Help You" booths for immediate assistance
Real-Time Monitoring and Passenger Advice
Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northern Railway, stated that senior management is actively monitoring station conditions to maintain order and safety.
"The railway is prepared to deploy additional unscheduled special trains based on real-time passenger demand," Upadhyay confirmed.
To avoid unnecessary delays or confusion, passengers are strongly encouraged to verify the latest schedules and operational status before heading to the station. Travelers can check the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or contact the railway helpline by dialing 139.