Indian Railways has announced over 1100 special trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja 2025 to manage heavy passenger rush. Check routes, schedules, booking tips, and travel guidelines.
Introduction
India is a land of festivals, and during the festive season, millions of people across the country travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with family. Festivals like Diwali and Chhath Puja hold a very special place in the hearts of Indians, especially in northern and eastern states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Every year, railway stations witness unprecedented rush, with thousands of passengers struggling to get confirmed tickets. Keeping this in mind, Indian Railways has taken a major decision for 2025 — the launch of over 1100 special trains during the Diwali and Chhath festival season.
This move is aimed at ensuring safe, comfortable, and convenient travel for lakhs of passengers. Let’s dive deep into the details of these special trains, their routes, booking process, and how they are expected to make travel smoother this festive season.
Why Special Trains Are Needed During Festive Season?
Indian Railways is the backbone of India’s travel system, carrying over 23 million passengers daily. But during the festive season, this number goes up significantly.
- Diwali Rush: Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata see a massive outflow of passengers as people travel to their native towns.
- Chhath Puja: Celebrated mainly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, Chhath witnesses lakhs of people returning home to take part in rituals.
- Ticket Shortage: Even months before festivals, tickets on popular routes get sold out.
- Safety Concerns: Overcrowded trains often lead to accidents, theft, and discomfort.
To tackle these issues, Indian Railways introduces special trains every year, but in 2025, the number has gone up to 1100+, the highest so far.
2025 Railway Announcement
- Total Special Trains: 1100+
- Duration: Mid-October to Mid-November 2025
- Targeted Routes: High-demand corridors like Delhi–Patna, Mumbai–Varanasi, Kolkata–Lucknow, Chennai–Bhubaneswar
- Extra Coaches: Sleeper and AC coaches will be added in many trains
- Real-Time Tracking: Passengers can check live updates through NTES and Rail Madad app
Major Routes Covered by Special Trains
1. Delhi – Bihar / Uttar Pradesh Routes
- Delhi → Patna
- Delhi → Muzaffarpur
- Delhi → Varanasi
- Delhi → Gorakhpur
These routes always remain sold out months before Diwali. Additional trains will reduce pressure on Rajdhani and Express services.
2. Mumbai – North India Routes
- Mumbai → Varanasi
- Mumbai → Lucknow
- Mumbai → Patna
Lakhs of migrant workers travel from Mumbai to UP & Bihar. Special trains will provide relief from overcrowded conditions.
3. Kolkata – Northern States Routes
- Kolkata → Lucknow
- Kolkata → Gorakhpur
- Kolkata → Delhi
Eastern India sees heavy festive travel for both Durga Puja and Chhath.
4. Southern Corridors
- Chennai → Bhubaneswar
- Bengaluru → Patna
- Hyderabad → Varanasi
These routes target migrant workers in the IT and industrial hubs of South India.
How to Book Tickets for Special Trains?
Passengers can easily book tickets for these trains using:
- IRCTC Website (www.irctc.co.in)
- Login → Select “Special Trains” → Enter route → Book ticket.
- IRCTC Mobile App
- Available on Android & iOS. Easy for last-minute bookings.
- Railway Counters
- For those who prefer offline booking, tickets are available at PRS counters.
- Authorized Agents
- IRCTC agents can also book tickets for passengers who don’t have internet access.
Travel Safety Tips During Festive Rush
- Always keep luggage locked and tagged.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Stay updated with train timings through NTES App.
- Reach stations early to avoid last-minute rush.
- Women and senior citizens should use reserved coaches where available.
Benefits of Special Trains
For Passengers
- Easy availability of seats
- Reduced overcrowding
- Affordable travel compared to flights
For Economy
- Boosts local businesses in small towns
- Increases festive shopping and tourism
- Creates seasonal employment in transport sector
Official Statement from Railways
According to senior railway officials, the decision to add 1100+ special trains was made after analyzing travel data from 2023–24. Passenger demand has consistently increased during Diwali and Chhath, and these additional trains will ensure that “no passenger is left stranded without a safe mode of travel.”
Wider Impact on India’s Travel Landscape
- Airlines & Buses: Competition will rise as trains remain cheaper.
- E-Commerce Deliveries: Faster logistics possible since passengers and goods will move together.
- Tourism Growth: Hill stations, religious cities, and local towns will see higher footfall.
What to Expect in Future?
If this initiative proves successful, Indian Railways may expand the “festival train” concept to other occasions like Holi, Eid, and Christmas in 2026. With smart technology integration, passengers may soon get AI-based ticket availability predictions.
Conclusion
The announcement of 1100+ special trains by Indian Railways for Diwali and Chhath Puja 2025 is a major step towards ensuring smooth festive travel. Whether you’re heading home to celebrate Diwali with family or taking part in the sacred rituals of Chhath, these special trains will make your journey more comfortable and hassle-free.
So, don’t wait! Book your tickets in advance, follow safety guidelines, and enjoy a memorable festive season with your loved ones.
