New Delhi: The Indian Railways will operate 1,205 special trains over the next four days to handle the heavy passenger traffic during the Chhath festival. These services are in addition to the regular train schedule, as millions of people prepare to travel home for the celebrations.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the network has been placed on high alert to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable travel for all passengers. He explained that holding and waiting areas have been set up to regulate the flow of people at busy stations. So far, around 10,700 reserved and 3,000 unreserved trains are being deployed across the country to meet the festive demand.
Vaishnaw said data from the last two years has been analysed through an advanced demand prediction model to determine the number and routes of special trains required for each destination. He personally reviewed operations at the Railway Board’s War Room in New Delhi, where live updates from across the country are monitored.
War rooms have also been established at divisional and zonal levels, supported by mini control rooms at key stations. This allows real-time coordination on train movements, crowd management, and additional requirements.
A major upgrade has been introduced at New Delhi Railway Station, where a permanent holding area with a capacity for over 7,000 passengers has been opened. The facility includes 150 toilets each for men and women, ticket counters, automatic ticket vending machines, and free RO drinking water.
On Thursday, 30 special trains were scheduled to depart from major Delhi stations, along with six passing services. Another 17 special trains will operate from the capital on October 24.
Between October 1 and November 30, over 12,000 special trains will run across the country, with 2,220 of them dedicated to Bihar to handle the massive Chhath rush. Many passengers have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, noting improved cleanliness, facilities, and better crowd management during their journeys.
