October marks a vibrant festival season in India, with major celebrations like Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja on the horizon. In response to the anticipated surge in passenger demand, Indian Railways has announced plans to launch nearly 6,000 special trains to facilitate travel during this busy period.
A Tradition of Special Trains
This initiative is not new for Indian Railways; each year, millions travel to their hometowns to celebrate with family, resulting in a significant increase in transportation needs. The introduction of these special trains aims to serve over one crore (10 million) passengers, reflecting the Railways’ commitment to meeting this seasonal demand.
Popular Routes for Festive Travel
Key routes with heightened demand primarily connect to states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, which are central to these festival celebrations. Durga Puja begins on October 6, followed by Diwali on November 1 and Chhath Puja on November 7 and 8.
Details Yet to Be Finalized
While the exact routes, dates, and timings for these special trains have yet to be officially confirmed, Indian Railways is already working to enhance the travel experience. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced plans to increase the number of general coaches for 108 regular trains on popular routes.
Expected Benefits for Passengers
Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that the additional trains and coaches will significantly benefit passengers, facilitating the movement of over one crore travelers. The Railways has previously announced the deployment of 5,975 special trains for this festive season, a notable increase compared to the 4,429 special trains operated last year.
Enhanced Comfort for Travelers
For Diwali and Chhath Puja, an extra 12,500 coaches will be added to ensure a more comfortable journey. Given the crucial role of trains in India’s public transport system, especially during festive times, securing tickets can be challenging due to high demand.
Conclusion
The decision to operate more special trains has been positively received, as it aims to ease congestion and enable more passengers to reunite with their families for the festivities. Indian Railways continues to play a vital role in facilitating travel during one of the most celebrated times of the year in India.
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