The festive season is here, and so is the rush of passengers traveling across India. To make your journey comfortable, Indian Railways has announced more than 12,000 special trains for diwali and Chhath Puja. Here’s everything you need to know—from routes to booking.
1. Massive Festive train Plan
During festivals like Chhath, diwali, and Durga Puja, train travel surges dramatically. This year, Railway Minister has announced:
- 150 Puja special trains will run from 21 september to 30 november 2025
- Over 12,000 train trips across various zones
- Focus on routes from Bihar, Jharkhand, Bengal, South India to metro cities
Passengers can expect better seat availability and relief from overcrowding during these peak days.
2. Zone-Wise Special Trains
Railways has made special arrangements zone-wise:
- South Central Railway: Running the majority of the festive trains across South India
- East Central Railway: 14 trains covering Bihar routes, totaling 588 trips to cities like Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Muzaffarpur
- Eastern Railway: 24 trains on Kolkata, Sealdah, and Howrah routes, totaling 198 trips
- Western Railway: 24 trains on Mumbai, Surat, and vadodara routes to benefit passengers from maharashtra and Gujarat
- Southern Railway: 10 trains on Chennai, Coimbatore, and madurai routes, totaling 66 trips
This ensures that both north-south and east-west corridors have ample capacity.
3. Special Arrangements from Other Zones
Apart from major zones, Railways will also operate:
- East Coast Railway: Trains from Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Sambalpur
- South Eastern Railway: Relief on Ranchi and Tatanagar routes
- North Central Railway: Trains on Prayagraj and kanpur routes
- Other major routes: Special trains from Bilaspur, Raipur, Bhopal, and Kota
Railways has stated that this is only the first phase. More trains may be announced closer to the festival dates, especially for Bihar and Eastern India, where demand is highest.
4. How to Book Special Trains
Many passengers wonder if special trains require a different booking process. The answer is no:
- Booking is done online via IRCTC or from railway counters
- Same as regular trains
- Tickets can be booked well in advance to ensure a seat during the rush
Passengers should plan early to avoid last-minute hassles, especially for popular routes during Chhath and Diwali.
5. Quick Recap
- Total trains: 12,000+ special trips
- Major focus: bihar, Jharkhand, Bengal, South India
- Booking: Online via irctc or counters
- Duration: 21 september – 30 november 2025
- Benefit: Reduced overcrowding, more travel options
With these special trains, Railways aims to make your festive travel smooth and stress-free. Start planning your journey now!
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk..jpg)
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