Festivals in India bring joy, lights, and celebrations. But they also bring a big rush in trains. Every year, millions of people travel back to their hometowns during Diwali and Chhath Puja. Trains become overcrowded, and tickets are almost impossible to get. To solve this problem, Indian Railways has announced 12,000 special trains for the festive season this year. Along with extra trains, they have also announced special discounts on tickets, which is happy news for passengers.
Why Special Trains Are Needed?
Diwali and Chhath are two of the biggest festivals in India.
- Diwali is celebrated across the country with lights, crackers, and family gatherings.
- Chhath Puja is especially important in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, where devotees worship the Sun God.
During these festivals, people living in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai want to return to their villages and towns. Regular trains cannot handle such a heavy rush. This is why Railways always introduces special festival trains every year.
But this time, the number is huge – 12,000 special trains will run, which is more than ever before.
Routes of Special Trains
According to Indian Railways, these special trains will mainly cover routes where the crowd is the highest. Some important routes are:
- Delhi – Patna
- Mumbai – Gorakhpur
- Delhi – Varanasi
- Kolkata – Patna
- Surat – Darbhanga
- Bengaluru – Patna
- Chennai – Gaya
These routes usually see maximum demand during the festival season. Most of the special trains will be superfast and express trains, so that people can reach their homes quickly and comfortably.
Discounts on Train Tickets
Along with extra trains, Indian Railways has also announced big discounts on tickets. This is the first time such a wide discount is offered for Diwali and Chhath. The discounts include:
- Up to 25% off on sleeper class tickets
- Up to 20% off on AC class tickets
- Special offers for senior citizens and students
- Discounted tatkal tickets on selected routes
The discount will be available only on special trains and only for bookings made online through the IRCTC website or app. Passengers are advised to book early because even these tickets will get sold out quickly.
Safety and Comfort Measures
Indian Railways has also announced safety and comfort measures for passengers during the festive season.
- All special trains will have extra RPF (Railway Protection Force) security staff.
- Stations with heavy crowds like Patna, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur will have special arrangements for crowd control.
- Pantry services and clean drinking water will be available in most special trains.
- Many trains will have extra coaches to handle last-minute passengers.
The aim is to ensure that passengers not only get tickets but also travel safely and comfortably.
How to Book These Special Trains?
Booking these special trains is simple. Passengers can:
- Book tickets online through the IRCTC website or app.
- Book at the nearest railway reservation counter.
- Check train schedules and availability on the IRCTC app before planning travel.
Railways has requested passengers to avoid touts and middlemen and only use official channels for booking tickets.
Boost for Local Economy
These special trains will not only help passengers but also boost the local economy. During Diwali and Chhath, people shop for clothes, sweets, gifts, and puja materials. With more trains running, more people will travel, which means more spending in small towns and villages. Local markets will see good business, and small shopkeepers will benefit the most.
Government’s Message
Railway officials have said that the goal is to make travel affordable and easy for everyone during the festive season. By running 12,000 special trains and giving discounts, the Railways hopes to reduce the stress of passengers and allow families to celebrate festivals together.
Conclusion
The announcement of 12,000 special trains for Diwali and Chhath, along with discounts on tickets, is a big relief for travelers. Festivals are about being with family, and Railways is making sure that people can reach home on time without facing too many problems.
So, if you are planning to go home this Diwali or Chhath, book your tickets early and take advantage of the discounts. Thanks to Indian Railways, your festival journey this year will be smoother, safer, and lighter on your pocket.
