The North Eastern Railway (NER) has announced the operation of 186 special trains to manage the surge of passengers travelling for Chhath Puja 2025. The initiative aims to provide relief to commuters returning home after Diwali and those journeying to participate in the four-day Chhath festival, one of North India’s most significant celebrations.
This year, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from October 25 to 28.
In an interview with a media outlet, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the North Eastern Railway, Pankaj Kumar Singh said, "... After celebrating Diwali, passengers are going back and also coming in for Chhat Puja; therefore, we have increased our capacity, running special trains to multiple stations this year. We are running a total of 186 special trains towards major stations. We have installed additional train display boards."
He further added that extra ticket counters have been installed for passengers' convenience at Gorakhpur railway station. "Railways are keeping necessary arrangements for passenger security. From Gorakhpur railway stations alone, 59 special trains are arranged for the Chhat festival."
The move is part of Indian Railways’ larger effort to manage the nationwide festive rush. With travel volumes surging ahead of Chhath Puja, the railways have intensified efforts to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely and comfortably. Between October 1 and November 30, 2025, more than 12,000 special trains are being operated across the country.
In a statement issued on October 22, Indian Railways said: “A total of 11,865 trips (916 trains) have been notified, including 9,338 reserved and 2,203 unreserved trips. This marks a significant increase from last year, when 7,724 Puja and Diwali special trains were run, reflecting Indian Railways’ continued commitment to ensuring smooth and convenient travel during the festive season.”
According to official statement, 1,500 special trains will operate over the next five days—an average of 300 services per day—to accommodate the increased festive demand.
Over the past three weeks alone, 4,493 special train trips—averaging 213 trips daily—have already been operated, helping many travels home for Diwali celebrations.
Additionally, Indian Railways has strengthened on-ground operations by deploying additional staff, expanding ticket counters, and setting up dedicated passenger holding areas at key junctions. On October 19, 2025, more than 36,000 passengers were accommodated at Udhna Station, marking a 50 percent increase compared to last year. Despite the surge, all passengers successfully boarded their trains by 4 PM, ensuring timely arrivals for Diwali celebrations.
In the past five days alone, over 1.2 lakh passengers have departed from Udhna—demonstrating the effectiveness of the railways’ enhanced travel management and passenger service measures.
With enhanced passenger services, efficient arrangements, and a strong focus on convenience and safety, Indian Railways continues to ensure smooth and reliable journeys for travellers during the festival period.
(With inputs from various sources.)
1. How many special trains has North Eastern Railway announced for Chhath Puja 2025?
The North Eastern Railway will operate 186 special trains to accommodate festive travellers during Chhath Puja 2025.
2. When is Chhath Puja 2025?
Chhath Puja will be celebrated from October 25 to October 28, 2025, immediately following Diwali.
3. Which major stations will have additional trains for Chhath Puja?
Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, and other key North Indian stations will have additional train services under the North Eastern Railway zone.
4. What steps has Indian Railways taken to manage the festive rush?
Indian Railways has deployed additional staff, opened extra ticket counters, set up passenger holding areas, and scheduled over 12,000 special train trips across India.
5. How can passengers check or book Chhath Puja special trains?
Passengers can check schedules and book tickets through the IRCTC website, mobile app, or designated railway reservation counters.
