To manage the festive rush, Indian Railways has announced 15 special trains for the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals. Ticket bookings are now open on IRCTC.

  • Indian Railways has introduced 15 special trains to cater to the festive demand.
  • Booking is live on IRCTC website, app, and physical counters starting at 8:00 AM.
  • The 60-day Advance Reservation Period (ARP) applies to these services.
  • High demand is expected on routes connecting Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

In a significant move to accommodate the massive surge of travelers during the festive season, Indian Railways has announced the operation of 15 special trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja. This initiative aims to ease the burden on regular services and reduce the long waiting lists that typically plague the festive period.

As per the 60-day Advance Reservation Period (ARP) rule, the booking process for these special trains has officially commenced. Passengers can secure their seats via the IRCTC official website, mobile application, or at railway reservation counters starting from 8:00 AM. With Diwali scheduled for November 8, 2026, the demand for travel towards North and East India is expected to be unprecedented.

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Comprehensive List of Special Trains

The railway administration has detailed several key routes that will receive additional services to manage the influx of passengers:

  • Mumbai Central – Katihar – Mumbai Central: 77 additional trips.
  • Kanpur Central – Guwahati – Kanpur Central: 14 additional trips.
  • Katihar – Amritsar – Katihar: 12 additional trips.
  • Dibrugarh – Kolkata – Dibrugarh: 13 additional trips.

Furthermore, several other routes including Varanasi-Delhi, Ayodhya Cantt-Anand Vihar, and Delhi-Sitamarhi have been included to ensure connectivity across major spiritual and cultural hubs.

Train RouteService TypeEstimated Extra Trips
Mumbai-KatiharSpecial77
Kanpur-GuwahatiSpecial14
Katihar-AmritsarSpecial12
Dibrugarh-KolkataSpecial13

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the festive corridor, particularly the routes connecting Delhi to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, experiences a critical shortage of available berths during Diwali and Chhath. By deploying these 15 special trains, the Railways is attempting to stabilize the supply-demand gap. This strategic deployment is crucial for preventing overcrowding at stations and ensuring a smoother transit experience for millions of migrant workers and families returning home.

The deployment of special festive trains is a vital logistical maneuver to maintain passenger safety and operational efficiency during peak travel seasons.

To ensure a successful booking experience, experts recommend that travelers create a 'Master List' of passengers on the IRCTC portal beforehand. Using fast payment methods like UPI or the IRCTC Wallet can significantly decrease the time taken during the checkout process, which is critical when seats are limited.

Did You Know?: The Chhath Puja festival attracts one of the largest seasonal migrations in India, putting immense pressure on the railway network.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I book tickets for the Diwali Special trains?
You can book them online through the IRCTC website/app or visit any computerized reservation counter at railway stations.

2. What are the most crowded routes this year?
Routes like Delhi-Patna, Mumbai-Patna, and Varanasi-Delhi are expected to see the highest demand.