To meet the massive travel demand during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals, Indian Railways has announced plans to operate 12,000 special trains across the country. This initiative aims to facilitate smooth travel for millions of passengers eager to reunite with their families during these important cultural celebrations.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined the special arrangements, including prioritising convenience for return journeys. In addition, a ‘Round Trip Package’ scheme offering a 20% discount on return fares will help ease ticket costs for festival travellers.
Extensive Special Train Operations to Cater to Festival Travel Surge
Indian Railways will deploy 12,000 special trains on various routes, focusing on connecting major cities, pilgrimage sites, and towns with high passenger demand during the festive season. Among these are new Amrit Bharat Express trains operating on routes such as Delhi-Gaya, Saharsa-Amritsar, Chhapra-Delhi, and Muzaffarpur-Hyderabad.
The popular Vande Bharat Express will also service a new route between Purnia and Patna, adding vital capacity for Bihar’s festive crowds. Minister Vaishnaw, speaking after consultations with Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and other leaders, highlighted that these trains are designed to ensure reliable and comfortable journeys.
Historical data reinforces the necessity of such large-scale operations. During previous festive seasons in 2024 and early 2025, Indian Railways ran around 13,500 special train trips annually to accommodate peak travel, serving approximately 1.8 crore passengers during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath periods and over 4.24 crore during events such as Maha Kumbh. This year’s large-scale rollout continues this legacy of meeting demand head-on.
Discounted Round Trip Package to Encourage Advance Booking and Affordability
To further support travellers, Indian Railways has introduced the ‘Round Trip Package’ offering a 20% discount on return tickets booked for both onward and return journeys under the same passenger name. This initiative promotes advance planning, reduces last-minute inconveniences, and makes travel more affordable for families journeying home for the festivals.
The scheme applies to travel on select dates between October 13 and 26, with return journeys between November 17 and December 1. Passengers are encouraged to utilise this scheme to maximise comfort and savings while avoiding peak-time ticket scarcity.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we recognise that Diwali and Chhath are not just festivals but powerful expressions of family unity, cultural identity, and gratitude. Indian Railways’ ambitious plan to operate 12,000 special trains exemplifies how public infrastructure plays a vital role in nurturing social cohesion during these times.
Beyond logistical success, this effort reflects the need to continually enhance safe, accessible, and affordable travel for all Indians.
