Indian Railways to Run Nearly 13,000 Special Trains This Festive Season: A Record-Breaking Effort to Ease Passenger Travel During Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath
As the country gears up for the grand festive season of Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, the Indian Railways is preparing to manage one of the busiest travel periods of the year. To accommodate the massive surge of passengers traveling to their hometowns and tourist destinations, the Railways has announced plans to operate nearly 13,000 special train trips across the country this year. This move marks a significant step up from previous years and showcases the Railways’ commitment to ensuring safe, convenient, and comfortable travel during the festive rush.
Among the zones taking a leading role in this operation is the Eastern Railway (ER), headquartered in Kolkata, which alone is responsible for running over 1,300 trips of special trains. These trains are being deployed to serve passengers traveling for Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja—three of the most celebrated festivals in eastern India.
The Railways, often referred to as the lifeline of India, has long been a crucial mode of transport during the festive season. Millions of people rely on trains to return home, visit loved ones, or embark on pilgrimages. With the festive calendar in full swing, the demand for train tickets has surged dramatically, and the Indian Railways has stepped up to meet this challenge with an unprecedented expansion in service.
Massive Operation by Eastern Railway: Over 1,300 Trips Planned
The Eastern Railway has announced that it will operate more than 1,300 special train trips to manage the heavy passenger rush. According to an official statement, these additional trains have been strategically scheduled to serve passengers traveling from Howrah, Sealdah, Kolkata, Asansol, Bhagalpur, and Malda Town to various destinations across India.
The ER official emphasized that the effort is not just about numbers—it’s about coordination, manpower, and planning. The Eastern Railway employs around one lakh (100,000) personnel, all of whom are working tirelessly to ensure the smooth functioning of train operations, maintenance, and passenger amenities during the festive period. Every year, the Railways witnesses an extraordinary increase in footfall around Durga Puja and Diwali, and this year’s response shows a remarkable preparedness to handle the load.
Out of the 1,300 trips planned, around 329 trips will originate from major stations within the Eastern Railway zone, such as Howrah, Sealdah, and Asansol. These trains are designed to connect passengers to various destinations across the country—from northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, to central and western destinations such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
Additionally, 663 trips from other zonal railways will terminate or originate within the ER’s jurisdiction, demonstrating the integrated coordination among different railway zones. Another 320 trips will pass through the Eastern Railway network, linking other parts of the country with eastern India. This level of coordination reflects the national effort being undertaken to ensure that every passenger reaches their destination safely and on time.
A Record-Breaking Year for Indian Railways
The 2025 festive season marks a new milestone for Indian Railways. According to officials, the Railways has planned over 12,000 to 13,000 special train trips across the country, setting an all-time record for the number of additional services during this period. This is a massive leap from the 7,724 trips that were operated last year.
The increase represents not only an improvement in capacity but also the growing scale of the Indian Railways’ operations. The expansion is expected to help accommodate millions of additional passengers, particularly from regions with high travel demand such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
Festive travel in India is characterized by overcrowded stations, long waiting lists, and high demand for tickets. The Railways’ decision to deploy nearly double the number of special trains compared to the previous year is a reflection of its commitment to passenger comfort and efficiency. Officials have also stated that passenger feedback from previous years has been carefully analyzed to identify routes and schedules that require more capacity.
Meeting the Festive Rush: Strategic Planning and Manpower
The festive period—from late September to mid-November—is traditionally the busiest time for Indian Railways. With major festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, there is an enormous migration of people across the country. To manage this, the Railways has been meticulously planning train schedules, maintenance activities, and crew management for months in advance.
Railway officials have revealed that each zone has been tasked with conducting special surveys to estimate passenger flow, assess ticket demand, and determine where additional services are needed. Zones like the Eastern, Northern, and North Eastern Railways see the highest seasonal demand, as they serve states with large populations that often travel long distances for the holidays.
In addition to deploying special trains, the Railways is also introducing temporary stoppages at select stations to accommodate passengers in smaller towns and rural areas. These changes are intended to ensure that no region is left underserved during the festive period.
Behind the scenes, around one lakh railway employees in the Eastern Railway zone alone are working extended hours to manage passenger movement. This includes station masters, ticket checkers, maintenance engineers, train guards, and cleaning staff—all contributing to the enormous task of ensuring punctuality and safety during this peak season.
Passenger Comfort and Safety Measures
Along with increasing the number of train services, the Railways is focusing on ensuring passenger comfort and safety. Additional facilities have been put in place at key stations, including Howrah, Sealdah, and Kolkata. These include enhanced lighting, more seating arrangements, extra ticket counters, and improved crowd management systems.
Special teams have been deployed at major junctions to assist passengers with inquiries and boarding, especially for elderly passengers and families with children. Security has also been tightened with the deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel at high-traffic stations. Surveillance cameras are being actively monitored, and station announcements are being made more frequently to guide passengers to the correct platforms and exits.
To ensure smoother travel, the Railways has implemented real-time tracking systems for special trains. Passengers can now check live running status and delays via online portals and mobile apps, reducing confusion and crowding at inquiry counters. In addition, ticketing systems have been strengthened to prevent black marketing and ensure fair access for all travelers.
Economic and Social Impact of Festive Train Services
The operation of such a large number of special trains has a significant economic and social impact. For millions of Indians, especially migrant workers and students living away from home, the festive season is the only time they get to reunite with their families. The availability of additional trains ensures that they can travel affordably and safely, reinforcing the Railways’ role as a social connector.
Economically, the operation of special trains generates substantial revenue for the Railways. Increased ticket sales during this period contribute to the financial stability of the network. Moreover, local businesses around railway stations—such as food vendors, porters, and taxi services—also benefit from the influx of travelers.
The special trains also help reduce road congestion and air pollution by providing an eco-friendly alternative to road transport. During festival seasons, highways leading out of metropolitan cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai often witness severe traffic jams. By diverting this traffic to trains, the Railways not only offers a safer mode of transport but also reduces carbon emissions.
Efforts to Maintain Punctuality and Service Quality
Operating nearly 13,000 special train trips across a vast network is no small feat. One of the key challenges faced by the Railways during this period is maintaining punctuality. Delays in one zone can have a cascading effect across the network. To mitigate this, the Railways has increased technical inspections, locomotive maintenance, and track monitoring in the weeks leading up to the festive season.
Officials have also implemented a new timetable management system that prioritizes high-demand routes while optimizing available track capacity. Additional locomotives and crew members are being mobilized to manage the surge in services. The Railways has also coordinated with state governments to streamline traffic control and crowd management at stations.
The Indian Railways’ decision to operate close to 13,000 special trains this year is a reflection of its growing capacity, technological advancement, and unwavering dedication to serving the public. With more manpower, improved technology, and better planning, the Railways is set to make this festive season smoother and more comfortable for millions of passengers traveling across the country.
This unprecedented scale of operation underscores the vital role of Indian Railways as the backbone of the nation’s transport system—connecting families, supporting economic growth, and ensuring that every traveler, no matter where they are headed, can celebrate the season of joy with their loved ones.