Delhi is witnessing a massive surge in festive travel as Indian Railways deploys 58 special trains from the national capital region to accommodate Chhath Puja devotees. With an eye on ensuring safe, efficient, and eco-conscious mobility, the initiative marks a significant stride in the government’s effort to provide equitable and accessible public transport during India’s busiest festive season.
The Northern Railway division confirmed that 28 of these trains operated from Delhi on Friday, following 30 trains launched the previous day. These services, departing from New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Shakur Basti, Delhi Junction, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Shamli, and Rohtak, are expected to ease congestion and promote a more sustainable travel experience for lakhs of passengers returning home to celebrate the festival.
Railway officials noted that over 12,000 special trains have been operational nationwide since the beginning of October to handle the festive rush, a figure that underscores the scale of India’s seasonal migration. In the spirit of inclusion, the railways are also creating a festive ambience by playing traditional Bhojpuri Chhath songs at major stations such as New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Nizamuddin, and Ghaziabad  connecting travellers emotionally to their roots.
This cultural initiative has also been extended to stations across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal, reinforcing the idea that sustainable travel can also be deeply human. From Patna to Amritsar, the familiar tunes of Chhath Puja are resonating across platforms, transforming railway stations into vibrant spaces of cultural celebration and community belonging.Beyond celebration, this expansion of special train services is also a key step toward a cleaner and more climate-conscious transport model. With public transport being the most energy-efficient mode of intercity travel, the Indian Railways’ focus on scaling operations during peak demand helps minimise the carbon footprint associated with festive travel. Experts suggest that every additional passenger choosing rail over road or air travel contributes significantly to India’s net-zero mobility goals.
The deployment of special trains also highlights the role of infrastructure readiness and operational agility in shaping sustainable urban ecosystems. As millions of commuters rely on rail connectivity during Chhath Puja, the initiative showcases how large-scale mobility management can be aligned with both cultural and environmental priorities  a model that other Indian cities can emulate.While the festive rush continues, the seamless coordination across divisions signals a maturing public transport framework. For a metropolis like Delhi grappling with congestion and pollution prioritising rail-based mobility during high-travel periods sets a strong example of how infrastructure can adapt to both human and environmental needs without compromise.As Chhath Puja approaches from October 25 to 28, the sound of Bhojpuri hymns at railway stations symbolises more than nostalgia it reflects an evolving vision for India’s railways, where inclusivity, culture, and sustainability travel together.
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Delhi launches 58 special trains to ease Chhath Puja rush
