Indian Railways to Operate 12,000 Special Trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja

Indian Railways will operate 12,000 special trains across the country for Diwali and Chhath to ease festive travel and provide extra berths for passengers unable to book regular tickets. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, after discussions with Bihar leaders, said the plan ensures convenience for both onward and return journeys. Railways also introduced discounts on return fares under its ‘Round Trip Package’ scheme, applicable when booking both journeys for the same passengers. In previous years, IR ran over 13,500 special trips annually during Holi and Summer, 7,990 during Durga Puja/Diwali/Chhath (serving 1.8 crore passengers), and 17,300 trains during Maha Kumbh (serving 4.24 crore).