Image Source: Native Planet
As the festive season approaches, Indian Railways has unveiled an extensive plan to ease travel during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja by operating over 150 special trains covering more than 2,000 trips from September 21 to November 30, 2025. This massive initiative aims to manage the surge of millions of passengers traveling home for celebrations, ensuring a smoother, safer, and more comfortable journey across key corridors, particularly connecting Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Kolkata.
Key Highlights: Festival-Focused Train Operations
The special trains target high-demand routes, including Delhi-Patna, Delhi-Muzaffarpur, Delhi-Gaya, and Delhi-Darbhanga, which traditionally experience overcrowding during festival times.
The East Central Railway zone, serving Bihar’s bustling cities, will operate 14 special trains making 588 trips, underscoring a focus on easing transit pressure in the region.
The South Central Railway leads with 48 festival special trains and over 680 trips from hubs like Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and Vijayawada.
Other zones like Western Railway (Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara), Eastern Railway (Kolkata, Sealdah, Howrah), and Southern Railway (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai) also contribute extensively to special train services.
Additional special services are planned in East Coast Railway routes (Bhubaneswar, Puri), South Eastern Railway (Ranchi, Tatanagar), North Central Railway (Prayagraj, Kanpur), and others.
Many of the trains will run as daily or weekly services, calibrated to meet varied demand patterns over the festival months.
Operational Flexibility and Passenger Convenience
Indian Railways is monitoring demand dynamically and will introduce more services if necessary to accommodate passenger needs.
The schedule is being updated regularly, with passengers encouraged to book tickets well in advance to secure confirmed seats.
Passengers can check the Indian Railways and IRCTC websites or visit booking counters for timing, route, and availability details.
Emphasis is placed on using e-tickets to reduce queues and facilitate hassle-free entry at stations.
Significance for Festival Travel in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Kolkata
With millions traveling to their native places to celebrate Durga Puja and Chhath Puja, these trains provide vital connectivity magic, helping preserve festive spirit and family bonds.
The addition of new Vande Bharat Express routes such as Purnia-Patna amplifies high-speed connectivity for eastern India.
This initiative reduces overcrowding, enhances safety protocols, and improves overall travel experience during the peak festival rush.
Impact on Regional Economy and Society
Enhanced rail services facilitate the movement of people and goods during a crucial economic period when many sectors see a surge in demand.
Smooth transport links benefit local businesses, vendors, and artisans who depend on festivity-driven commerce.
By providing a dependable travel option, Indian Railways supports cultural preservation and sustains the vibrant social fabric linked to festive practices.
Conclusion
The launch of 150 dedicated festival special trains by Indian Railways marks a significant step to ensure seamless and joyous celebrations for millions. By targeting core routes involving Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Kolkata, these services aim to reduce travel stress, accommodate massive passenger volumes, and keep the festive season spirit alive across India. As India embraces its cultural diversity through Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, Indian Railways stands as a steadfast partner facilitating every journey home.
Sources: IndiaTimes, NDTV, Mathrubhumi English, Indian Express
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