Railways to run 1,500 extra trains for Chhath Puja, doubling last year's count and highest in a decade

The Indian Railways will operate 1,500 additional trains over the next five days to manage the sharp rise in passenger traffic ahead of Chhath Puja, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Railways. The move aims to ensure smooth and safe travel for lakhs of passengers returning home to celebrate the festival, particularly across Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

Expanded operations for Chhath travellers

The Railways said it would run an average of 300 special trains per day between October 22 and October 26, in addition to regular services. This is part of a larger operational plan covering the 61-day festive period from October 1 to November 30, during which over 12,000 special train trips are being scheduled nationwide.

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So far, 11,865 trips have been notified - 9,338 reserved and 2,203 unreserved - marking a near 54 per cent increase compared with last year's 7,724 festive trips. The upcoming five-day operation alone reflects an estimated 94 per cent jump in daily services compared with the same period last year.

"The Railways is going the extra mile to ensure that every traveller reaches home safely and comfortably during Chhath," the Ministry said in its statement.

Record movement at major stations

Passenger numbers have already surged sharply this season. On October 19, more than 36,000 people boarded trains at Udhna station in Gujarat - a 50 per cent increase on the same day in 2024. All passengers were accommodated by 4 pm, aided by coordinated crowd management, additional ticket counters and dedicated holding areas. Over the past five days, more than 1.2 lakh people have departed from Udhna, the Ministry reported.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel have been deployed in higher numbers at major stations to assist the elderly, disabled and sick passengers. Similar crowd-control and safety measures have been implemented across busy stations including Patna, Varanasi and Delhi.

Travellers have praised the enhanced facilities this year, citing cleaner stations, well-maintained coaches and better passenger assistance. At Jabalpur, passengers noted improved hygiene and organised boarding, while those on long-distance routes such as Bengaluru-Kolkata commended the courteous staff and efficient service.

At Ahmedabad station, the RPF was seen actively helping passengers with special needs to board safely, reflecting the Railways' focus on accessibility and passenger comfort during the festival period.

Chhath Puja rush drives operational scale-up

Chhath Puja, observed over four days, involves offering prayers to the setting and rising sun and is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Delhi. With millions travelling home for the celebrations, the festival consistently leads to one of the heaviest passenger movements of the year.

According to the Ministry, this year's special service plan underscores the Railways' "continued commitment to providing safe, reliable and comfortable travel during India’s major festivals".