Central Railway has announced the operation of 1,702 special trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja to help passengers travel conveniently and reunite with their families. The initiative covers key stations such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Pune, Kolhapur, and Nagpur. More than 800 of these special services will connect major destinations in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and the northeastern states, ensuring smooth travel for millions during the festive rush.
To enhance comfort and efficiency, additional ticket counters have been established at major stations. Holding areas with a capacity of over 3,000 passengers each have been equipped with essential amenities such as food stalls, clean water, toilets, and fans. The Central Railway has also made ticket booking more convenient through its mobile UTS application, helping passengers save time and avoid long queues.
Swapnil Nila, CPRO of Central Railway, stated that the initiative reflects a strong commitment to passenger safety and convenience during India’s busiest travel season. The administration has implemented a series of measures to manage crowd control effectively and reduce waiting times. These arrangements are expected to make festive travel smoother, especially for passengers heading to northern and eastern regions for Chhath celebrations.
In addition to the operational measures, the Indian Railways has launched a strict crackdown on social media accounts spreading false or misleading information about railway services. Over 20 such accounts have already been identified, and FIRs have been initiated against them. A 24×7 digital monitoring mechanism has been established to counter misinformation and maintain public trust.
Passengers have been urged to rely only on official communication channels such as the verified social media handles of the Ministry of Railways — @RailMinIndia on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube — for accurate travel updates. The Railways emphasized that sharing or believing unverified videos could lead to unnecessary confusion or panic among travellers.
With the introduction of these 1,702 special trains and robust digital monitoring systems, Indian Railways aims to ensure a seamless, safe, and joyful festive season for millions of travellers. This large-scale initiative highlights the government’s dedication to providing reliable transportation and upholding public confidence during India’s most significant cultural and religious celebrations.
