Indian Railways to run over 12,000 special trains for Diwali, Chhath festivals

Indian Railways will run over 12,000 special trains to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for the huge number of passengers during the Diwali and Chhath festivals.

This announcement was made by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

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Indian Railways has also announced 380 Ganpati special train trips for 2025, the highest ever, ensuring smooth and comfortable travel for devotees and passengers during the festive season.

Ganpati Puja will be celebrated from August 27 to September 6. To meet the anticipated festive rush, Ganpati Special trains have been running from August 11, with services being progressively increased as the festival approaches.

Vaishnaw also said a 20 per cent discount will be offered on return tickets for passengers undertaking onwards journeys between October 13 and 26 and return journeys between November 17 and December 1.

The minister said special arrangements are being made by Indian Railways for the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals, emphasising that “due care will be taken to ensure passengers face no difficulties during their return travel”.

The deeply spiritual Chhath Puja, rooted in ancient folk traditions, comes twice a year and is celebrated across Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal’s Mithila region. The festival honours Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, observed over four days through elaborate rituals symbolising purification, gratitude, and unwavering devotion.

The Ministry of Railways also said in 2023, a total of 305 Ganpati Special train trips were operated, while in 2024 the number increased to 358.

Central Railway will operate the highest number of 296 services, addressing the heavy festive travel demand in Maharashtra and the Konkan region. Western Railway will operate 56 Ganpati Special trips, Konkan Railway (KRCL) 6 trips, and South Western Railway 22 trips.

The halts of Ganpati Special trains serving over Konkan Railway have been planned at Kolad, Indapur, Mangaon, Goregaon Road, Veer, Sape Warmne, Karanjadi, Vinhere, Diwankhavati, Kalambani Budruk, Khed, Anjani, Chiplun, Kamathe, Sawarda, Aravali Road, Sangameshwar Road, Ratnagiri, Adavali, Vilavade, Rajapur Road, Vaibhavwadi Road, Nandgaon Road, Kankavali, Sindhudurg, Kudal, Zarap, Sawantwadi Road, Madure, Thivim, Karmali, Madgaon Jn, Karwar, Gokama Road, Kumta, Murdeshwar, Mookambika Road, Kundapura, Udupi, Mulki and Surathkal.

The detailed schedule of special trains is available on the IRCTC website, RailOne app, and computerized PRS.

Indian Railways remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and convenient travel experiences, especially during festivals when demand is significantly higher.