Massive Travel Demand Met with 12,011 Special Trains
To address the heavy rush during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath festivals, Indian Railways has operated 12,011 special trains between October 1 and October 19, 2025. This marks a significant rise compared to the 7,724 trains operated during the same period last year. The initiative aims to provide safe and comfortable journeys for millions of passengers travelling to their hometowns for the festive season.
Between October 1 and 19, Indian Railways successfully operated 3,960 special trains, facilitating travel for more than 1 crore passengers. Special measures such as dedicated holding areas, extra ticket counters, clean washrooms, and potable water have been implemented at major stations to ensure smooth crowd management and comfort.
At key stations in the New Delhi area—including New Delhi, Delhi, Anand Vihar, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and Shakur Basti—over 15.17 lakh passengers travelled between October 16 and 19, an increase of 1.51 lakh compared to the previous year. The improvement highlights Indian Railways’ effective management during peak travel periods.
Regional Highlights: Northern, Central, and Western Railways Lead
Among all zones, Northern Railway operated the highest number of special trains (1,919), followed closely by Central Railway (1,998) and Western Railway (1,501). Other major contributors include East Central Railway (1,217), North Western Railway (1,217), and Southern Railway (527). This coordinated effort ensured widespread connectivity across regions during the holiday season.
In total, Indian Railways plans to introduce an additional 8,051 special trains in the coming days to meet the continuing surge in demand for Diwali and Chhath festivals. The Railways’ commitment to convenience and efficiency continues to be the cornerstone of its festive operations.
Minister’s Visit and Public Interaction
Earlier, Shri Vaishnaw personally visited New Delhi and Anand Vihar Railway stations to interact with passengers. He reviewed on-ground arrangements, including crowd control systems, ticketing facilities, and train schedule displays. The Minister praised railway employees for maintaining cleanliness and operational efficiency even under high pressure.
Railways’ Commitment to Passenger Comfort and Safety
With more than 12 lakh railway employees working round the clock, Indian Railways continues its mission of providing safe, comfortable, and hassle-free travel to all passengers. The Railways’ 2025 festive strategy reflects its focus on service quality, operational reliability, and passenger satisfaction.