Dorothy Brown The Indian Railways is set to operate 1,500 special trains over the next five days, responding to a dramatic increase in passenger demand for the Chhath festivities. This initiative translates to around 300 extra trains per day across the nation, supplementing the already scheduled services.
Officials confirmed that this extensive rollout is designed to ensure safe and comfortable journeys for all travellers eager to reunite with their families during the festival season. The move follows an earlier boost to train numbers for Diwali, during which 4,493 special train trips were run in just three weeks, allowing passengers to reach their homes in time for the celebrations.
For both Chhath Puja and Diwali this year, the operational strategy covers a robust 61-day period, from 1 October to 30 November. Across this stretch, more than 12,000 special trains will criss-cross the country. So far, nearly 11,900 of these trips have already been scheduled, with over 9,300 designated as reserved and the remainder as unreserved, underlining the scale of the operation.
This year’s numbers point to a marked rise compared to 2024, which saw 7,724 special festive trains. The impact was palpable at stations such as Udhna in Gujarat, where, on 19 October, more than 36,000 passengers—up 50% from the previous year—boarded trains by 4 p.m. Dedicated holding zones and ticket counters were established to manage the throng efficiently. Over 120,000 travellers have departed from Udhna in just five days, highlighting the massive nationwide migratory rush that festivals inspire annually.
Railway officials emphasise that every effort is being made to ensure that all festival-goers reach their loved ones safely, underscoring the pivotal role Indian Railways continues to play in supporting community and family connections across the country.
