Indian Railways deploys 150+ special trains for Chhath festival rush

Recognizing the surge in passenger demand during the Chhath festival season, Indian Railways has rolled out an extensive schedule of special trains to accommodate millions of devotees traveling to Bihar. The festival, observed primarily in Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, draws a significant number of migrant workers and families returning to their home states.

The special train services have been introduced from multiple originating cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and several southern Indian cities. This multi-directional approach aims to distribute passenger load across the rail network and minimize congestion on regular services, which typically operate at full capacity during festival periods.

Railways officials noted that securing confirmed tickets on regular trains during major festivals remains challenging for most passengers. The decision to operate additional special services reflects the transportation challenges posed by seasonal migration patterns, particularly during significant cultural observances in eastern India.

The special trains have been scheduled with varied routes and departure dates to provide flexibility for travelers. Passengers are advised to check detailed schedules, including specific routes and operational dates, with their respective railway divisions or through official railway booking platforms to plan their journey accordingly.