In a massive logistical effort to handle the Chhath Puja travel surge, the Indian Railways has announced the operation of 1,500 additional special trains over the next five days. The move, part of its nationwide festive schedule, aims to provide smoother, safer, and more comfortable journeys for millions of passengers travelling home during the festival season.
Officials from the Ministry of Railways confirmed that the additional services are being introduced under a 61-day festive plan that runs from October to November 2025. This extensive schedule includes over 12,000 special trains across India, marking a significant scale-up from the previous year’s 7,724 services. The initiative aligns with the Railways’ broader strategy to ensure inclusive and sustainable mobility during periods of peak travel demand.
Over the past three weeks alone, 4,493 special train tripsaveraging more than 200 daily have already been operated to accommodate travellers heading home for Diwali and Chhath Puja. The ministry reported an impressive rise in passenger turnout at several junctions, reflecting both improved capacity and greater public confidence in rail travel.At stations such as Udhna, Jabalpur, and Ahmedabad, passenger numbers have soared, with one station witnessing a 50% rise in footfall compared to last year. To manage the surge, Indian Railways has set up additional booking counters, waiting zones, and crowd management measures, while ensuring timely boarding and enhanced safety checks.
According to officials, the initiative has been accompanied by visible improvements in passenger experience from cleaner platforms to courteous on-ground staff and efficient assistance provided by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), especially for senior citizens and differently abled passengers.he large-scale deployment of special trains also underscores Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining sustainability goals. Rail travel remains the most energy-efficient mode of long-distance transport, and the ministry has reiterated its commitment to reducing congestion, promoting greener mobility, and ensuring equitable access for all.
As the Chhath Puja rush reaches its peak, railway officials have appealed to passengers to plan travel responsibly and make use of digital booking platforms to avoid overcrowding at counters. The ministry affirmed that Indian Railways remains steadfast in its mission to deliver safe, efficient, and inclusive travel experiences for India’s growing population of festive commuters.
Delhi Indian Railways Deploys 1500 Special Trains For Chhath Puja Rush
