Indian Railways has announced the operation of 2024 additional Puja Special train trips between 21 September and 30 November 2025 to address the sharp rise in passenger demand during the festive season. The move is aimed at easing congestion, ensuring smooth travel, and connecting millions of passengers across metropolitan cities and rural regions, particularly in North, East, and South India.
Officials from the Railway Board confirmed that more than 150 Puja Special trains will be pressed into service, designed to enhance connectivity for families and migrant workers returning to their hometowns during one of the country’s busiest travel periods. The railway network, often described as India’s lifeline, faces immense seasonal pressure as millions travel to celebrate Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja with loved ones. According to operational plans, South Central Railway will contribute the largest share by operating 48 trains making 684 trips, primarily connecting Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and Vijayawada with other regions. East Central Railway has scheduled 14 trains completing 588 trips through critical Bihar junctions such as Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Muzaffarpur—key destinations during Chhath Puja when demand traditionally peaks.
Eastern Railway will run 24 services from Kolkata, Sealdah, and Howrah, completing 198 trips, while Western Railway will operate 24 special trains from Mumbai, Surat, and Vadodara, covering 204 trips. Southern Railway will add 10 services from Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai, contributing 66 trips to the Puja Special network. Beyond these, additional services will be deployed by East Coast Railway from Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Sambalpur, while South Eastern Railway will connect Ranchi and Tatanagar. North Central Railway has included Prayagraj and Kanpur in its plans, while South East Central Railway will cover Bilaspur and Raipur. West Central Railway will connect Bhopal and Kota with other parts of the country.
Senior officials emphasised that these extra services are not only a response to demand but also part of a broader strategy to make festive travel more reliable and equitable. The plan integrates the Ministry of Railways’ wider vision of providing affordable, accessible, and environmentally sustainable transport to diverse sections of society. Rail operations remain a relatively low-carbon mode of long-distance transport, and such expansions are seen as vital to reducing reliance on road traffic during peak periods, thereby easing congestion and cutting emissions. Passengers are advised to check the official Indian Railways and IRCTC platforms for detailed train schedules, booking information, and safety guidelines. Authorities have urged early reservations, noting that most Puja Special trains see high demand within hours of announcement.
With this large-scale initiative, Indian Railways is positioning itself to handle festive season travel at unprecedented levels, ensuring passengers can reunite with families while reinforcing its role as the country’s most inclusive and sustainable transport system.
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