New Delhi: With Diwali and Chhath Puja approaching, Northern Railway has expanded its arrangements to accommodate the seasonal surge in passenger demand. The railway zone plans to operate more than 6,200 trips of special trains this festive season, marking an increase of approximately 30% compared with last year.
The additional services are intended to ease overcrowding, improve travel options and help passengers reach their hometowns comfortably and safely. The move is particularly significant for people travelling from Delhi and other major cities to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and destinations across the country.
Northern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyaya said the expanded operations were aimed at managing the additional rush during the festive period and providing passengers with more convenient travel options.
How Has Northern Railway Expanded Its Festival Arrangements?
Northern Railway operated 4,666 trips of special trains during last year’s festive season. This year, the planned number has been increased to more than 6,200 trips to meet growing travel demand.
According to the railway’s plan, 42 trains have been introduced as regular services, which are expected to account for 2,600 trips during the festive period. An additional 3,600 special train trips had already been announced.
Together, these arrangements are intended to increase capacity on busy routes and provide more options to passengers planning festival journeys.
Delhi, Bihar and Other Major Routes to Receive Additional Services
The special train services cover several important routes connecting northern India with Bihar, eastern India and other destinations. Routes mentioned by Northern Railway include:
- Delhi–Patna Vande Bharat
- Shakur Basti–Darbhanga
- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi–Varanasi
- Chandigarh–Patna
- Anand Vihar–Patliputra
- New Delhi–Howrah
- Kolkata–Yog Nagari Rishikesh
- Amritsar–Barauni
- New Delhi–Danapur
- Delhi–Kamakhya
- Delhi–Gaya
- Amritsar–Jaynagar
These connections are expected to offer additional choices for long-distance travellers, particularly those heading towards Bihar and eastern parts of the country.
Additional Trains Aim to Ease Festive Crowds
Railway stations typically witness a sharp rise in passenger numbers during Diwali and Chhath Puja, when many people travel to celebrate with their families. The availability of additional services can help accommodate demand and reduce pressure on existing train operations.
Northern Railway has therefore focused on expanding special services alongside the introduction of regular trains. The increased number of trips is expected to improve travel options, although actual convenience will depend on route-wise schedules, operating dates and seat availability.
Passengers Advised to Check Official Railway Updates
Passengers planning festive journeys should verify train timings, stoppages, operating dates and reservation availability through official railway channels before travelling. Checking these details in advance can help travellers plan their journeys and avoid last-minute uncertainty.
With more than 6,200 planned special train trips and 42 newly regularised trains, Northern Railway is seeking to make the festive travel period more manageable for passengers heading home to celebrate with their families.
