New Delhi: Indian Railways will operate 1,500 special trains over the next five days to accommodate the Chhath Puja travel demand. This Hindu festival, observed mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, prompts millions to travel for rituals honouring the Sun God. The special trains, averaging 300 per day, supplement regular services. In the past 21 days, Railways operated 4,493 special trips, averaging 213 daily. These supported travel for Diwali and Chhath Puja. Enhanced facilities and staff coordination aim to ensure safe and comfortable journeys during the festive season.
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya, associated with child protection. Held six days after Diwali, it drives significant travel demand. Railways’ festive plan, from October 1 to November 30, 2025, includes over 12,000 special trains. To date, 11,865 trips have been notified, with 9,338 reserved and 2,203 unreserved. This exceeds 2024’s 7,724 Puja and Diwali specials, reflecting increased capacity for the festive rush, particularly to regions where Chhath Puja is prominent.
From October 21 to 31, 2025, Railways scheduled daily special trips. On October 21, 282 trips operated. October 22 had 285. October 23 had 295. October 24 had 303. October 25 had 311. October 26 had 305. October 27 had 286. October 28 had 242. October 29 had 242. October 30 had 263. October 31 had 263. These 3,077 trips focus on routes to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, aligning with Chhath Puja’s peak ritual days.
Chhath Puja involves specific rituals over four days. On Nahay Khay, devotees bathe in rivers and prepare simple meals like rice and dal. On Kharna, they fast without water, breaking it with kheer and roti. The third day, Chhath, includes a 36-hour waterless fast and offerings to the setting sun. On Usha Arghya, devotees pray to the rising sun and share prasad. These rituals require water bodies, leading many to travel to rural areas, increasing demand for the Railways’ 1,500 special trains.
Railways claims it has improved passenger services at stations. On October 19, 2025, Udhna Station served 36,000 passengers, a 50 per cent increase from 2024. All boarded by 4 PM, reaching home for Diwali. Over five days, 1.2 lakh passengers travelled from Udhna. Holding areas and additional ticket counters managed crowds. The Railways today referred to a Jabalpur passenger who noted clean platforms and improved hygiene. It also referred to a Bengaluru-to-Kolkata traveller who reported clean coaches and efficient staff. It also claimed passengers commending online ticketing, orderly queues, and Railway Protection Force (RPF) efforts for safety and seat allocation. RPF has also been specifically instructed to assist disabled and sick passengers, ensuring safe boarding.
Chhath Puja’s rituals use biodegradable items like bamboo baskets and clay pots. The festival promotes community participation across castes. Women often lead the fasts and prayers. Local markets benefit from sales of fruits and ritual items. The festival’s Vedic origins link to sun worship, with historical ties to figures like Draupadi from the Mahabharata. While celebrated in cities, its rural focus drives rail travel.
Indian Railways claimed today that its network supports the festive rush. Coordinated crowd control, cleanliness initiatives, and timely operations ensure efficiency. The 1,500 special trains for Chhath Puja, alongside the prior 4,493 trips, facilitate travel for millions.
“Railways’ efforts align with the festival’s emphasis on community and accessibility, enabling passengers to celebrate Chhath Puja and Diwali with families across India,” the Ministry of Railways stated.
– global bihari bureau
