Delhi Railways has announced the operation of 12,000 special trains during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath season. Officials confirmed that the trains will run between 1st October and 15th November, aiming to ensure seamless connectivity for millions of passengers across the country. The initiative reflects the railways’ focus on efficiency, passenger convenience, and sustainable travel solutions during peak periods.
This year, the special train count has nearly doubled compared to last year’s 7,750 services, demonstrating the ministry’s proactive approach in addressing increased travel during major festivals. Officials highlighted that 10,000 of these trains have been formally notified, with an additional 150 fully unreserved trains on standby for rapid deployment to meet last-minute surges in passenger demand. Railway authorities emphasised that the deployment strategy also aligns with broader goals of eco-friendly mass transport, reducing reliance on private vehicles and mitigating carbon emissions during peak festival periods. By optimising train schedules and maximising utilisation of the existing rail network, the railways aim to provide a greener, more sustainable travel option to the public.
Operational efficiency remains a key focus, with 29 railway divisions already achieving 95 per cent punctuality. These divisions include major hubs such as Malda, Nagpur, Kota, Ranchi, Jaipur, Rajkot, Bikaner, and Ahmedabad. Experts noted that this high punctuality rate is indicative of improvements in rail infrastructure, digital scheduling systems, and real-time monitoring, all of which contribute to a smoother travel experience for passengers. Officials also indicated that efforts are underway to further improve punctuality across all 70 railway divisions, aiming for a 100 per cent on-time performance target. “The focus is not only on increasing capacity but also on operational excellence and passenger satisfaction,” an official said. This approach underscores the railways’ commitment to equitable and reliable mobility for all segments of society.
The expansion of festival train services is expected to ease congestion on regular routes, particularly on busy intercity and long-distance corridors. Additionally, the ready availability of unreserved trains will provide greater flexibility for passengers who cannot plan in advance, ensuring that transport access remains inclusive and gender-neutral. Railway experts suggest that this scale of operations during peak periods also contributes to economic efficiency by facilitating smoother movement of labour, supporting tourism, and enabling faster access to urban centres without straining road networks. The move is seen as part of a broader push towards modern, sustainable, and resilient urban transport systems.
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