Northern Railway Launches 32+ Special Trains for Diwali Rush
Northern Railway and Ambala Division launch 32+ special trains to handle the Diwali and Chhath festive rush between September and November 2026.
To tackle the massive surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming festive season, Northern Railway special trains are being launched by the Ambala Division to accommodate travelers. Over 32 special services have been initiated to manage the heavy influx of passengers during the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals, running from September through November 2026.
The introduction of these services aims to alleviate crowding on regular trains and address the growing waiting lists across key routes. The Saharanpur railway station is currently feeling the impact, with passenger footfall increasing by 40% to 50%. Typically, the station manages between 32,000 and 35,000 passengers daily across 154 trains, making these additional services vital for maintaining order.
Key Routes and Train Services
The special trains will connect major transport hubs such as Chandigarh, Amritsar, Firozpur, Jammu Tawi, and Haridwar with key destinations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Notable services include:
- Varanasi-Delhi Festival Special Express (04209/04210): Operating on select days from October 2 to November 27, 2026.
- Ayodhya Cantt-Anand Vihar Service (04213/04214): Providing critical connectivity for the festive period.
- Chandigarh-Patna (04512/04511) and Firozpur Cantt-Patna (04616/04615): Both services feature scheduled stops at Saharanpur and Ambala Cantt.
- Varanasi-Jammu Tawi Reserved Special (04231/04232): Catering to long-distance travelers.
Furthermore, daily specials including the BGP ANVT Special, PNBE Fest Spl, and PNBE NDLS Spl will remain in operation through late November and early December 2026.
Future Planning and Passenger Information
Railway authorities are already planning to introduce further special services via Saharanpur to Mumbai, Ayodhya, and various locations in Bihar. To ensure a smooth journey, passengers are advised to verify all schedules, stoppages, and reservation availability through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or by calling the railway helpline at 139.