Indian Railways Ramps Up Operations with 1,702 Special Trains to Ease Diwali and Chhath Travel Crunch
Mumbai: As India braces for the peak travel period during Diwali and Chhath Puja, Central Railway has announced plans to deploy 1,702 special trains to facilitate smoother journeys for millions heading home to reunite with loved ones.
The initiative aims to address the anticipated surge in passenger demand, ensuring connectivity across key regions. More than 800 of these additional services will target high-traffic routes leading to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and the northeastern states, linking major hubs like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Pune, Kolhapur, and Nagpur to various destinations nationwide.
Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer for Central Railway, shared details with ANI on Saturday, emphasizing the network’s readiness. “Central Railway is gearing up for the Chhath and Diwali celebrations by running 1,702 special trains, allowing travelers to reach their hometowns and spend the festivals with family,” Nila said. He noted that these trains will originate from prominent stations including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Pune, Kolhapur, and Nagpur. “Over 800 trains are earmarked for routes to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and the northeastern states, while others will connect additional points across the country.”
To enhance passenger experience and security, authorities have introduced several support measures at key stations. Extra ticket counters have been installed to shorten queues, and dedicated holding zones—each accommodating more than 3,000 people—have been created, complete with essentials like food, drinking water, restrooms, and cooling fans.
Nila highlighted the focus on accessibility, adding, “Mobile UTS services are now operational for quick ticketing, and new counters are in place to minimize wait times, all while prioritizing comfort and safety.”
In a related development, Indian Railways issued a stern warning on Saturday against the spread of false information online. The operator plans to pursue legal action, including FIRs, against over 20 social media accounts identified for posting outdated or deceptive videos of railway activities, which have sown unnecessary alarm among commuters during this busy season.
A railway statement pointed out that such content has led to widespread misinformation. To counter this, a round-the-clock monitoring system for social platforms has been activated to detect and address disruptive posts swiftly.
Officials urged the public to exercise caution, advising against sharing unverified footage of station crowds or events. Instead, travelers should turn to official channels for reliable updates, such as the Ministry of Railways’ verified accounts—@RailMinIndia—on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.