Will Railways Operate 8,000 More Special Trains to Manage Festive Rush?
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Synopsis
As Diwali and Chhath approach, Indian Railways is gearing up to manage the expected surge in passenger traffic by introducing approximately 8,000 additional special trains. The initiative aims to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for millions during these festive occasions.
Key Takeaways
- 8,000 new special trains to be introduced for festive travel.
- Overall, 12,011 special trains will operate this year.
- Passenger comfort measures include dedicated waiting areas and increased ticket counters.
- Over 1 crore passengers already accommodated by special services.
- Key regions include Northern, Central, and Western Railways.
New Delhi, Oct 20 (NationPress) In response to the anticipated increase in passenger traffic for Diwali and Chhath, Indian Railways is set to introduce approximately 8,000 additional special trains in the forthcoming days, as highlighted by a statement from the Railway Ministry on Monday.
The Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, inspected the War Room at the Railway Board to assess the passenger flow during the festive season on Monday.
He commended the staff for their relentless efforts and extended his best wishes to them in celebration of Diwali.
To facilitate seamless travel during the Puja, Diwali, and Chhath festivals, Indian Railways is operating 12,011 special trains this year, a notable rise from the 7,724 trains run in the same timeframe last year.
Indian Railways is functioning at maximum capacity to guarantee smooth and comfortable journeys for passengers amid the ongoing festive rush. Besides standard train services, it has successfully operated 3,960 special trains from October 1 to October 19, 2025, to accommodate the increased travel demand during this festive season, according to the statement.
These special services are being rolled out across all zones of Indian Railways, with Northern Railway (1,919 trains), Central Railway (1,998 trains), and Western Railway (1,501 trains) leading in the number of trains operated.
Other zones, including East Central Railway (1,217) and North Western Railway (1,217), have also added services to meet local travel demands. The zone-wise breakdown of these 12,011 trains is as follows:
From October 1 to October 19, 2025, over 1 crore passengers have already been accommodated by these special services. The management of passenger movement has been streamlined across stations, featuring dedicated waiting areas, extra ticket counters, drinking water facilities, and clean restrooms to ensure a pleasant travel experience, according to the statement.
In the New Delhi area, which includes New Delhi, Delhi, Anand Vihar, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and Shakur Basti stations, a total of 15.17 lakh passengers traveled between October 16 and October 19, 2025, compared to 13.66 lakh passengers during the same period last year, indicating an increase of 1.51 lakh passengers.
Previously, the Union Minister also visited New Delhi & Anand Vihar Railway stations to engage with passengers and gather feedback on the arrangements made by Indian Railways for their convenience.
Special arrangements include waiting areas, an increased number of ticket counters, potable drinking water, display boards for train timings, and other comforts to ensure smooth travel for passengers, the statement added.
Point of View
The Indian Railways' proactive measures to increase train services during peak travel periods exemplify the government's commitment to ensuring passenger convenience and safety. This initiative not only highlights the importance of effective transportation management but also showcases the dedication of the railway staff in facilitating smooth travel experiences for millions of citizens.
NationPress
20/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many special trains will Indian Railways operate?
Indian Railways plans to operate around 8,000 additional special trains to accommodate the expected surge in passenger traffic during Diwali and Chhath.
What is the total number of special trains being operated this year?
This year, Indian Railways is operating a total of 12,011 special trains, a significant increase from the previous year's 7,724 trains.
What measures are being taken to ensure passenger comfort?
Indian Railways has implemented several measures, including dedicated waiting areas, additional ticket counters, potable water facilities, and clean washrooms to enhance passenger comfort.
Which regions are seeing the most special train operations?
Northern Railway, Central Railway, and Western Railway are operating the highest number of special trains during this festive period.
How many passengers have already traveled on special trains?
Between October 1 and October 19, 2025, more than 1 crore passengers have utilized these special train services.
