Saharanpur Special Trains: New Routes to Ease Festive Rush
Indian Railways is ramping up its operations to manage the massive surge in passenger numbers during the ongoing festive season. To address the heavy waiting lists on long-distance routes to destinations like Mumbai, Ayodhya, and Bihar, several festival special trains will now operate via Saharanpur.
Massive Passenger Surge at Saharanpur
Saharanpur railway station, which typically manages around 154 daily trains and a daily passenger load of 32,000 to 35,000, is currently facing unprecedented pressure. Officials report a 40% to 50% increase in passenger footfall due to the holiday period, prompting immediate action from the authorities to ease travel congestion.
Currently Operating Special Services
To provide relief to travelers, the Northern Railway and the Ambala Division have already initiated six pairs of festival special trains. These services are scheduled to run until the last week of November. Key services include:
- Chandigarh-Patna Special (04512/04511): Operating via Saharanpur, Roorkee, and Moradabad.
- Amritsar-Chhapra (04638/04637): Running weekly from October 19 through November 30.
- Chehertha-Muzaffarpur (04640/04639): Running weekly from October 19 through November 30.
- Firozpur-Patna Special Express: Providing 20 scheduled trips in both directions.
New Proposals Under Consideration
Recognizing the continued demand, the Ambala Division has submitted a proposal to the railway headquarters for five additional special trains. These proposed routes aim to connect several key cities, including:
- Chandigarh to Katihar
- Chandigarh to Lucknow
- Bathinda to Lucknow
- Sirhind to Saharsa
Nationwide Festive Arrangements
The push for special trains is part of a larger national strategy. Indian Railways has announced over 100 special trains to cater to the Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja festivals. These trains will connect major hubs such as Kanpur, Prayagraj, Patna, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
While extra coaches have been added to existing services, officials have confirmed that more special services remain under consideration as passenger numbers continue to rise. Travelers are advised to verify train numbers, operating dates, and seat availability through official railway channels before planning their journeys.