UP Festive Rush: Special Trains and UPSRTC Buses to Boost Travel
Indian Railways and UPSRTC launch special trains and extra buses for Diwali and Chhath Puja to manage passenger surges in Uttar Pradesh.
To manage the massive influx of passengers during the upcoming Diwali, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath Puja festivities, authorities have launched a large-scale transportation operation across the state. Both Indian Railways and the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) are deploying extra resources, including festive special trains in UP, to ensure smooth travel for millions of commuters.
Northern Railway Deploys Special Trains
The Northern Railway's Lucknow division has taken significant steps to address the seasonal demand. To facilitate easier movement, the division has scheduled 1,704 trips through 54 pairs of special trains. Additionally, 10 more special services are slated to run between November 9 and November 13.
To further bolster capacity, the following measures have been implemented:
- Seven extra train rakes are currently on standby at Lucknow station.
- Eight regular trains have been augmented with an additional sleeper coach each.
- Nationally, Indian Railways is operating over 100 special trains, with the East Central Railway managing 103 pairs specifically for travel to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Enhanced Passenger Infrastructure and Security
Recognizing the potential for overcrowding, passenger facilities at Lucknow station have been upgraded. A dedicated holding area has been set up within the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) building, and 26 temporary platform shelters have been installed to provide comfort to waiting travelers.
Safety remains a top priority. A massive surveillance network featuring 386 CCTV cameras has been deployed across Lucknow, Varanasi Junction, and Ayodhya Dham stations. These are monitored by a 24-hour divisional war room, which is actively staffed by personnel from the RPF and GRP.
UPSRTC Expands Bus Fleet for Festive Season
In addition to rail services, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) is significantly expanding its bus fleet from November 6 to November 17, 2026. In the Varanasi region alone, the total fleet has been increased to 331 buses, which includes 185 additional vehicles.
Key bus route updates include:
- 72 buses allocated to the Varanasi-Gorakhpur route.
- 31 buses assigned to the Varanasi-Lucknow corridor.
- New direct bus services introduced from Ghazipur and Jaunpur to Delhi.
Strict Safety Protocols for Road Transport
To ensure passenger safety on the roads, UPSRTC has implemented rigorous checks. All drivers and conductors are mandated to undergo breath analyzer tests, and the use of any unfit vehicles has been strictly prohibited. Furthermore, staff members operating buses on extended distances are receiving financial incentives to support the intensive 12-day operation.