Indian Railways deploys extra trains ahead of Chhath festival rush

Indian Railways has responded to the seasonal spike in travel demand by introducing special train services on routes connecting to Bihar, where the Chhath festival draws millions of devotees and homebound passengers. The move comes as waiting lists on several Bihar-bound trains have swelled to over 150 passengers, reflecting intense demand during the festival period.

Railway officials have confirmed that certain services are fully booked on multiple dates, leaving no room for fresh reservations through standard booking channels. The congestion is concentrated on key routes that typically experience heightened passenger traffic during major festivals and celebrations in the state.

The deployment of additional train services is a standard operational response by Indian Railways to manage seasonal demand fluctuations. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance and check availability on alternative routes and timings. Railway authorities continue to monitor booking trends and are prepared to introduce further special services if demand warrants additional capacity.

Chhath, celebrated across Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, traditionally triggers a significant movement of passengers as families travel to their hometowns to participate in the festival rituals. The railway network remains a primary transport mode for handling this annual surge in intercity travel.