Indian Railways to Run 1,126 Special Trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja
As India gears up for the festive season of Diwali and Chhath Puja, the Indian Railways has announced the operation of 1,126 special trains originating from Mumbai, Pune, and surrounding cities to manage the surge in passenger demand. Central and Southern Railways are coordinating to ensure smoother, safer, and more comfortable travel for commuters returning home during the peak festival period.
The Central Railway (CR) has added 182 trains to the previously scheduled 944 services, covering major routes including Mumbai–Danapur, Mumbai–Banaras, Mumbai–Mau, Mumbai–Karimnagar, Pune–Amravati, and Pune–Sanganer. These services are designed to accommodate growing demand, particularly for AC and sleeper class coaches, which are expected to be heavily booked. Passengers have been urged to secure reservations through IRCTC or station counters ahead of travel.
Southern Railways (SR) is also providing dedicated festival specials to enhance connectivity for long-distance commuters. One such service is the Madurai Junction–Barauni Junction special train, offering crucial mobility for migrant workers and families returning to northern regions. Departing Madurai on Wednesdays and Barauni on Saturdays, these trains traverse four days, providing continuous support during the festival period.
In addition to daily specials, bi-weekly and weekly services have been introduced to distribute passenger traffic evenly across the network. Central Railways will operate 40 bi-weekly services each from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Danapur, Mau, and Banaras, while Pune–Sanganer has 26 bi-weekly specials. Weekly services include Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Karimnagar and Pune–Amravati routes, helping balance passenger loads while maintaining service quality. Officials emphasised that these festive services aim to ensure reliable transport for passengers travelling from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand to Maharashtra and vice versa. These initiatives also include careful scheduling to prevent overcrowding and maintain hygiene, safety, and comfort throughout the journey. Measures such as enhanced cleaning, onboard monitoring, and staff coordination are part of the operational plan to uphold service standards.
The Railways’ expanded schedule reflects an understanding of the critical role of transport infrastructure in festival logistics, particularly for urban centres like Mumbai and Pune, which see massive outflows during holidays. By integrating special services with regular operations, authorities aim to maintain efficient movement while prioritising passenger safety and convenience. As travel intensifies over the next few weeks, authorities continue to monitor booking trends and crowd movement, adjusting services dynamically to respond to changing demand. Passengers are advised to plan trips early and follow official communication channels for real-time updates on train schedules.
