Northern Railway rolls out special trains for Diwali, Chhath rush

Northern Railway has announced a comprehensive schedule of special trains to manage the anticipated passenger influx during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations in 2026. The additional services will operate on key routes across the northern region, supplementing regular train schedules to handle the seasonal demand.

The festival special trains are part of the Indian Railways' broader strategy to streamline passenger movement during major religious and cultural occasions. Diwali and Chhath Puja typically trigger significant migration patterns as people travel to their hometowns and pilgrimage sites, creating considerable pressure on existing rail infrastructure.

By introducing these extra services, the Northern Railway seeks to provide commuters with more travel options while preventing overcrowding on conventional trains. The expanded capacity is expected to enhance passenger comfort and reduce delays during the peak festival season.

Railways officials have indicated that the special trains will cover various distance categories and operate on multiple schedules to cater to diverse travel requirements. Passengers are advised to book tickets in advance to secure their seats, as demand for festival services typically outpaces available capacity during these peak periods.