Indian Railways has announced the scheduling of 100 special trains to ease passenger travel during the upcoming festive period that includes Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath Puja. The decision comes as the railways gear up to handle a significant surge in passenger movement across the country, particularly on routes that see heavy seasonal traffic.
The special trains will operate on selected routes spanning multiple states, with a focus on corridors connecting metropolitan cities to smaller towns and villages where festival celebrations draw large crowds. Railway authorities have been working closely with zone-wise operations to identify high-demand stretches and allocate additional rakes accordingly.
Passengers can expect the special services to begin operating in the weeks leading up to the festivals, with most trains likely running from late September through October. Exact dates, departure times and station stops for each train are expected to be announced in the coming days through the official Indian Railways website and mobile application.
Railway spokespersons have urged commuters to book their tickets well in advance through the IRCTC portal or at station counters, as festival travel typically sees a sharp spike in demand. Advance booking opens several weeks before the scheduled departure date, and passengers are advised to check seat availability regularly as additional coaches may be added to existing trains if demand warrants it.
This is not the first time Indian Railways has deployed special trains for the festive season. In previous years, the railways have run hundreds of special services during peak travel periods including winter holidays, summer vacations and major religious festivals. The move is aimed at reducing overcrowding on regular trains and providing additional seating capacity to eager travellers.
Commuters planning to travel for Durga Puja, Diwali or Chhath are encouraged to keep an eye on official railway announcements and plan their journeys accordingly. Last-minute travel during these festivals often results in long queues and limited availability, making early booking the best strategy.
