Indian Railways is gearing up for one of the busiest travel periods of the year with Chhath Puja around the corner. In a major move to handle the festive rush, the government has announced the operation of 1,500 special trains between October 24 and October 28, 2025. These will run alongside regular services to ensure smooth and safe journeys for millions of passengers traveling home for the festival.
Massive transport operation for Chhath travellers
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that 1,205 of these special trains will run over four days, averaging nearly 300 trips per day, in addition to the regular schedule. The initiative aims to manage the heavy inflow of passengers across key routes connecting Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Jharkhand, and other states where the Chhath festival is celebrated with great devotion.
Over the last three weeks, the Railways has already operated more than 4,400 special train trips to accommodate increasing demand. With around 10,700 reserved and 3,000 unreserved services deployed, the system is running at full strength to ensure travelers reach home in time for the festivities.
Enhanced facilities and real-time coordination
To improve passenger convenience, the Railways has established mini control rooms at major stations across the country. These centers will enable real-time coordination and monitoring of train operations, ensuring timely departures and arrivals.
At New Delhi Railway Station, a permanent holding area has been developed with capacity for over 7,000 passengers. The facility includes 150 toilets each for men and women, ticket counters, automatic ticket vending machines, and free RO drinking water. This marks a significant step toward improving the passenger experience during high-demand seasons.
Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that these measures were implemented to ensure systematic entry and exit of passengers, avoiding overcrowding on platforms. He also noted that the use of holding and waiting areas has led to smoother management during peak travel hours.
Positive passenger response
Passengers have taken to social media to praise the improved travel experience during this year’s festival rush. Many commuters have highlighted the cleanliness, safety, and organization at railway stations like Jabalpur, Patna, and Varanasi. A traveler named Madan Kumar Yadav commended the online ticketing system, the vigilance of the Railway Protection Force, and the orderly queueing process.
In Ahmedabad, RPF personnel have been providing special assistance to elderly and differently abled passengers, ensuring they board trains comfortably and safely.
Easy ticket booking through IRCTC
Booking Chhath special trains is now easier than ever through the IRCTC app. Passengers can log in with their IRCTC ID, enter their travel details, and select trains from the “Find Trains” option, where Chhath and Diwali specials are clearly marked.
This year’s special service not only reflects Indian Railways’ operational strength but also its growing focus on passenger comfort and real-time technology-driven management. The initiative ensures that millions of people can celebrate Chhath Puja with their families without the stress of festive travel chaos.
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