Indian Railways Plans 8,454 Special Train Trips for Festive Season 2026

Indian Railways plans special train services and additional coaches to manage passenger demand during Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath Puja 2026.

Indian Railways Steps Up Festive Travel Preparations

Indian Railways is preparing additional train services to manage the expected increase in passenger traffic during the 2026 festive season, including Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath Puja. According to reports published on October 14, the railway network planned approximately 3.4 lakh regular train trips and 8,454 special train trips between October 1 and November 30, 2026.

The additional services are intended to provide more travel options for passengers returning to their hometowns and visiting family during the festive period. Major railway routes connecting metropolitan cities with states in northern and eastern India are expected to experience particularly strong demand.

State-Wise Allocation of Special Services

Media reports have listed the following allocations among the destinations receiving additional services:

• Bihar: 2,057 special train trips

• Uttar Pradesh: 1,056 trips

• Delhi: 975 trips

• Maharashtra: 836 trips

West Bengal is also among the regions receiving additional festive-season services.

These figures reflect allocations reported in the media and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every route will have confirmed seats available. Passengers should check the latest railway announcements and schedules for their specific journey.

Additional Coaches to Increase Capacity

Alongside special trains, Indian Railways has reportedly added 412 coaches to selected existing services to increase passenger capacity.

Additional coaches can help accommodate more travellers on busy routes. However, their availability depends on the particular train and operating schedule. Passengers should therefore verify their train composition and ticket status before travelling.

Delhi–Patna Vande Bharat Festival Special

A report published on October 14 also announced a Delhi–Patna Vande Bharat Festival Special service, reportedly scheduled to begin on October 16.

The reported route includes stops at Aligarh, Kanpur Central, Prayagraj, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction and Buxar. Travellers should confirm the operating dates, timings, fare details and stoppages through official railway channels before making plans.

What Passengers Should Do

With demand expected to rise during the festive period, travellers can reduce last-minute difficulties by planning ahead.

• Book early: Check seat availability through the official IRCTC website or app.

• Verify train details: Confirm the train number, departure time, date and boarding station.

• Check running status: Use the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or official railway updates.

• Confirm special-train dates: Some services operate only on specified days.

• Use official information: Do not rely solely on unverified social media posts about train schedules.

Passengers can also contact Indian Railways through its passenger enquiry helpline at 139.

What the Arrangements Mean for Travellers

Special train services and additional coaches can provide more travel opportunities during one of the busiest periods of the year. They may help ease pressure on selected routes, but they do not guarantee confirmed tickets on every journey.

Travellers should check the latest information for their specific route, particularly if they are travelling close to Diwali or Chhath Puja. Any changes to schedules, stoppages or operating dates should be confirmed through official railway announcements.

Editorial Verification Note: This article is based on media reports available for October 14, 2026. Before publication, News National should independently confirm the total number of special train trips, regional allocations and the Delhi–Patna service schedule against official Indian Railways or zonal railway announcements.

By News National Editorial Team

Reference Websites

1. The Indian Express – Indian Railways festive-season train services

2. Financial Express – Special train services for the festive season

3. IRCTC official website

4. Indian Railways official website