Indian Railways Deploys 6,181 Special Trains to Handle Post-Chhath Travel Rush

New Delhi, October 24: In a major logistical exercise to accommodate the massive surge of passengers following the Chhath Puja celebrations, Indian Railways has announced the operation of 6,181 special trains across the country. This extensive initiative aims to ensure a smooth return journey for millions of devotees and travelers heading back to their workplaces and homes after the festival. The special train services come in addition to the 900 trains that were already deployed during the initial festive period to handle outbound passenger traffic. Over the next three days, these additional trains will run on key routes that have witnessed heavy booking demand, particularly between Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and other major cities. To manage the post-festival crowd efficiently, Indian Railways has introduced several measures aimed at easing congestion and improving passenger comfort. More than 30 major railway stations across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been equipped with weather-proof holding areas to provide passengers shelter from the elements as they await trains. Additional coaches have been attached to several existing train services to increase seating capacity, while ticketing infrastructure has been upgraded with new counters and enhanced mobile-based ticketing options to reduce queues. Stations such as Patna, Danapur, Hajipur, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, Sonpur, New Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Anand Vihar Terminal have been given a festive makeover, with devotional Chhath songs playing across platforms to maintain the celebratory spirit. The Railways’ efforts are not only logistical but also cultural, aiming to make the journey home a pleasant and festive experience for travelers returning after the revered Sun worship rituals. In addition to improving comfort and convenience, Indian Railways has placed significant emphasis on safety and crowd control. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been deployed in substantial numbers at major stations to ensure security and orderly boarding. Queue-management systems have been reinforced to prevent overcrowding on platforms, and real-time monitoring is being conducted through war rooms established at the Railway Board, zonal, and divisional levels. These control centers are operating round the clock to coordinate train movements, passenger management, and emergency responses. Health and emergency facilities have also been strengthened to handle the heavy passenger traffic during the festive season. At key stations such as Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, and Saharsa, 24×7 medical booths have been set up. These are being managed in collaboration with local fire brigade units and ambulance services to ensure prompt response in case of medical emergencies. The Chhath Puja period is one of the busiest times of the year for Indian Railways, with millions traveling to and from northern and eastern India. This year’s deployment of over six thousand special trains marks one of the largest festive operations ever conducted by the national transporter. With its combination of operational planning, safety preparedness, and passenger-oriented amenities, Indian Railways aims to make the post-Chhath journey seamless, secure, and truly reflective of the festival’s spirit of devotion and togetherness. Indian Railways Ramps Up for Post-Chhath Travel Rush To manage the massive passenger movement after Chhath Puja, Indian Railways has deployed 6,181 special trains across key routes. The move ensures a smooth return journey for millions traveling from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other regions. Major stations like Patna, Danapur, and New Delhi have been equipped with holding areas, added coaches, and enhanced ticketing facilities. Chhath devotional songs play at stations, keeping the festive spirit alive. With 24×7 medical booths, crowd management systems, and RPF deployment, the Railways is ensuring a safe, comfortable, and joyous travel experience for all returning passengers this festive season.