The festival season, coupled with assembly polls on November 6 and 11, has triggered a record movement of passengers from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Secunderabad, and Pune. Most regular trains are booked to full capacity, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
Even the special trains introduced by Indian Railways are reportedly full, especially those originating from New Delhi and Mumbai. Many passengers say they have been trying for confirmed tickets for over two weeks without success.
Middle-Class and Daily Wage Workers Hit Hard
For many working-class passengers, flights remain unaffordable, adding to their frustration. “We want to celebrate Chhath with our families and also vote, but getting a confirmed ticket has become impossible,” said Sonu Kumar and Nitesh, factory workers from Hajipur employed in Gurugram.
According to a senior Railway Board official, the ministry is assessing the situation closely. “We understand the emotional importance of Chhath. We are considering more special trains to handle the heavy demand,” the official told RamRajya News.
Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur Among Most Affected Routes
The highest demand has been observed on routes connecting Patna, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, and Gaya with metro cities. Social organizations have also appealed to the Ministry of Railways to increase the frequency of trains, particularly between Delhi–Patna and Mumbai–Patna, where ticket waiting lists have crossed 800 on average.
Emotional Connect and Economic Impact
Chhath Puja holds immense emotional value for Bihari families. Many migrants see it as a homecoming festival that symbolizes gratitude and renewal. This annual migration, though temporary, also boosts local economies as millions return to their native districts with festive spending power.
However, overcrowded trains and strained infrastructure highlight the urgent need for improved capacity planning by Indian Railways during festival seasons. Rail experts suggest introducing advance booking systems, flexible ticketing, and real-time crowd management technologies to ease such rushes in future.
Railways Faces Mounting Pressure
In response to growing complaints, railway officials have held review meetings in Delhi, Mumbai, and Patna zones. Extra coaches are being added to several key routes. Sources say that railway control rooms have been instructed to monitor ticketing and passenger movement round the clock.
“We are committed to ensuring that people reach home safely and comfortably. Additional special trains may be announced soon,” a senior East Central Railway spokesperson said.
Public Appeals and Ground Reality
Stranded passengers at stations like Anand Vihar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, and Chennai Central have been seen spending nights on platforms. Civil society groups have demanded temporary relief camps and better crowd management to prevent chaos.
Despite the challenges, railway staff continue to manage high passenger inflows. Volunteers from Bihar Samaj organizations across metros have stepped in to help passengers with food and guidance during their long wait.
Looking Ahead
Officials have hinted that more special trains could be announced before October 25 if the demand continues to rise. The Ministry of Railways is also in talks with the Election Commission to ensure smooth travel for voters returning to Bihar.
As the festive fervor builds, the massive rush underscores not just the cultural importance of Chhath Puja but also the scale of India’s migration network, where millions journey home each year despite logistical hardships.