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Chhath Rush: How 1,205 Special Trains Battle India's Festival Travel Surge

The Indian Railways is pulling out all stops to manage the massive Chhath festival travel rush. Over 1,200 special trains will operate during the peak four-day period to accommodate the surge in passengers. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally reviewed the arrangements from the central war room, ensuring real-time coordination across all stations. Passengers have expressed satisfaction with the enhanced facilities and seamless travel experience provided during this festive season.

Key Points: 1205 Special Trains Deployed for Chhath Festival Travel Rush

  • Railways Minister reviews passenger movement from War Room at Railway Board
  • Data analysis from past two years determines special train requirements
  • Permanent holding area at New Delhi Station accommodates 7,000 passengers
  • 2,220 special trains specifically cater to Bihar's festive travel demand
  • Real-time coordination through division, zone and board-level war rooms
  • Mini control rooms established at major stations for better monitoring
2 min read

1,205 special trains over next 4 days to manage Chhath festival rush: Govt

Indian Railways deploys 1,205 special trains over 4 days to manage Chhath festival rush, with enhanced facilities and real-time monitoring systems.

"Holding and waiting areas have ensured systematic entry of passengers at stations - Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw"

New Delhi, Oct 23

The government on Thursday said that in addition to the regular train services, 1,205 special trains will operate over the next four days to accommodate the Chhath festival rush.

With the peak passenger surge expected, the Railways have intensified their efforts to ensure safe and comfortable travel for all passengers ahead of Chhath Puja.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said holding and waiting areas have ensured systematic entry of passengers at stations, adding that around 10,700 reserved and 3,000 unreserved trains have been deployed to manage the festive rush.

He said that the exact number of special trains required is determined through data analysis of the past two years, which is fed into a model to assess the demand for each destination.

He visited the War Room at the Railway Board in New Delhi and reviewed passenger movement during the festive season. Vaishnaw said War rooms have been set up at the Division, Zone, and Railway Board levels. He said the Board receives live feeds from all locations.

The minister added that mini control rooms have also been established at major stations. This monitoring system enables real-time coordination across the country regarding the status of every station, the requirement for additional trains, and other operational needs.

A permanent holding area at New Delhi Station now offers great convenience to passengers, with a capacity for over 7,000 people, 150 toilets for men and 150 toilets for women, automatic ticket vending machines, ticket counters, and free RO water, the Union Minister added.

On Thursday, 30 special trains were scheduled to originate from the major stations of Delhi area apart from 6 passing Special trains. On October 24, 17 special trains are scheduled to operate from major stations in Delhi Area.

To handle the surge in travel, a robust schedule of special trains has been put in place. Of the more than 12,000 special trains being operated across India between October 1 and November 30, 2025, as many as 2,220 will cater to Bihar to meet the festive travel demand.

Passengers traveling to Bihar expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements made by the railways, praising the special trains, cleanliness, and seamless travel experience.

Shambhavi Bhardwaj travelled from New Delhi to Sonpur and appreciated the cleanliness and facilities available at the railway station and on the train. Passengers travelling through Anand Vihar-Bhagalpur via Vikramshila Express appreciated the facilities and arrangements provided by the Indian Railways.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good initiative but implementation needs improvement. At Anand Vihar station yesterday, there was still chaos despite these arrangements. More staff required to manage crowds properly.
A
Aman W
As someone who travels every Chhath from Mumbai to Bihar, I appreciate the data-driven approach. The special trains are a blessing for devotees. 🚆✨
S
Sarah B
The war room concept and real-time monitoring is impressive! This shows how technology can improve public services. Hope other countries learn from Indian Railways' festival management.
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Nikhil C
Free RO water and 300 toilets at New Delhi station? That's a game-changer! Last year we struggled for basic amenities. Thank you railways for thinking about passenger comfort. 🙌
K
Kavya N
2,220 special trains for Bihar alone shows how important Chhath Puja is for our culture. Proud to see the government respecting our traditions and making travel easier for devotees.

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