Indian Railways has announced the operation of over 100 special trains to manage the festive travel surge for Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath. The move connects key states such as Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

  • Over 100 special trains scheduled
  • Connectivity across Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh
  • IRCTC upgrades boost booking capacity to nearly double

Indian Railways will launch more than 100 special trains during the upcoming festive season to accommodate the surge in passenger demand for Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath. The service aims to provide faster, comfortable, and reliable travel for millions of Indians heading home.

The special trains will run on routes linking major cities across Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Additional coaches will reduce waiting lists and increase seat availability across all classes.

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Regular trains will also receive extra coaches, easing congestion and ensuring a smoother journey for holiday travelers.

Simultaneously, IRCTC has rolled out several technology upgrades to improve the ticket‑booking experience. New servers have replaced older hardware, effectively doubling the capacity of the Next Generation e‑Ticketing (NGeT) system. Anti‑bot measures now protect genuine users, and about 89% of all reserved tickets are booked online.

On July 15, 2026, IRCTC introduced a beta version of its revamped user interface. The redesign allows passengers to view seat availability for Sleeper, AC 3‑Tier and AC 2‑Tier classes on a single screen, streamlining the selection process.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the deployment of special trains not only boosts seasonal tourism revenue but also strengthens social cohesion by providing reliable transport to remote regions.

"The special‑train initiative sets a new benchmark for handling peak demand efficiently," says railway analyst Dr. Anju Pandey.
Did You Know?: In 2023, Indian Railways operated the highest number of special trains ever, with 85 services catering to festive travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will AC classes be available on these special trains?

A: Yes, many routes will include AC 3‑Tier and AC 2‑Tier coaches.

Q2: How can I book tickets for the special trains?

A: Tickets can be booked online via the IRCTC website, mobile app, or at railway station counters.