GHAZIABAD: In a move aimed at easing festive travel, Indian Railways has announced stoppages for 22 Puja special trains at Ghaziabad station for the first time. The decision is set to provide a much-needed reprieve for passengers travelling during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, when rail traffic traditionally surges to record levels.
Among the trains gaining a halt at Ghaziabad are the popular Gorakhpur–New Delhi service and other long-distance specials to Darbhanga, Saharsa, and Ranchi. For years, commuters boarding from Ghaziabad had been compelled to travel to New Delhi or Anand Vihar to catch these services, despite the growing passenger demand at Ghaziabad station itself. Officials acknowledged that the change was long overdue and reflects Indian Railways’ intent to address urban congestion while making travel more accessible for suburban hubs.
The festive rush is a recurring challenge for the rail network, often straining regular services. Special trains are introduced each year to balance passenger demand, but their limited halts have historically excluded Ghaziabad. This time, by incorporating the station into key routes, the railway administration is attempting to disperse crowds across multiple boarding points and improve the passenger experience.
The schedule includes services connecting New Delhi with Darbhanga and Gorakhpur, as well as the Anand Vihar–Saharsa route, with most running through late September to early November. Additionally, special trains from Ranchi to Ara and from Tatanagar to Buxar have also been commissioned under the broader festive plan. Officials confirmed that timings have been structured to integrate smoothly with existing train traffic while avoiding bottlenecks at major junctions.Rail experts note that the move reflects a wider strategy to strengthen regional connectivity. Ghaziabad, a rapidly growing urban centre in the National Capital Region, has seen a sharp rise in population and travel demand, yet its potential as a key stop has remained underutilised. By adding halts during peak festive months, Indian Railways is not only responding to passenger needs but also testing the feasibility of longer-term inclusion in premium routes.
Beyond passenger convenience, the expanded network is expected to indirectly ease pressure on New Delhi station, which has long struggled with overcrowding during festival travel. Analysts argue that such decentralisation is essential for creating more equitable and sustainable mobility systems across urban India, particularly as travel demand is projected to increase in the coming years.While this year’s arrangement is seasonal, it sets the stage for a broader rethinking of passenger logistics in high-density corridors. For residents of Ghaziabad, however, the immediate impact is simple but powerful easier access to trains that connect families across states during India’s most celebrated festivals.
Ghaziabad To Host 22 Puja Special Trains For Festive Travellers
