Indian Railways to operate 6,556 special trains during durga puja, diwali, and chhath puja

In anticipation of the festive travel surge, Indian Railways is set to run 6,556 special trains during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja from October 1 to November 30, 2024. This move, announced on October 6, 2024, is aimed at ensuring a smoother travel experience for passengers during these major festivals. According to railway officials, this marks a significant increase from the 4,429 special trains operated last year, reflecting the growing demand for rail travel during the festive season.

Festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja see millions of people traveling across the country, particularly to states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, where these celebrations hold deep cultural and religious significance. The rush for tickets usually starts months in advance, leading to long waiting lists and an increased demand for more trains. To alleviate this, Indian Railways has taken proactive measures to increase the number of special trains, ensuring that passengers can reach their destinations without hassle.

Northern Railway, in collaboration with other zones, will be operating 2,944 special trains this festive season, a 172% rise compared to last year when 1,082 trains were arranged. Approximately 83% of these trains will cater to the high demand for travel to eastern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. Popular destinations include cities such as Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Patna, Kolkata, and Guwahati, all of which see a significant influx of passengers during this period.

To further ease travel, Northern Railway is also increasing the seating and sleeping capacity of regular trains by adding extra coaches. This initiative is part of a larger commitment by Indian Railways to ensure passengers can reunite with their families and celebrate the festive season comfortably.

The decision to increase the number of special trains reflects Indian Railways' dedication to providing seamless services during peak travel periods. Whether it's reuniting with family or observing important religious traditions, millions of passengers will benefit from the enhanced travel options this year.