Chhath Puja 2026: 31 Special Trains From Delhi To Ease Passenger Rush

Indian Railways has announced 31 special trains from major railway stations across Delhi to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic ahead of Chhath Puja 2026. Operated by Northern Railway, the additional services are intended to ease travel for passengers heading towards Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and other parts of eastern India, where the festival draws large numbers of people back to their hometowns. The services were scheduled to operate from November 11, as railway stations across the national capital witnessed increased footfall.

According to Northern Railway's announcement, the special trains will operate from six stations: Anand Vihar Terminal, New Delhi, Shakur Basti, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Delhi Junction and Rohtak. Anand Vihar Terminal accounts for the largest share, with nine trains, followed by New Delhi with six and Shakur Basti with five. Hazrat Nizamuddin and Delhi Junction will each have three services, while one train will depart from Rohtak.

More Services To Manage The Rush

The additional arrangements come amid considerable pressure on regular train services during the festive season. On November 10, 27 special trains were already operating from major stations in the Delhi region. These included nine from Anand Vihar Terminal, six from New Delhi, five from Shakur Basti, three each from Delhi Junction and Hazrat Nizamuddin, and one from Rohtak.

Northern Railway has also deployed additional unreserved services at short notice, responding to passenger movement at major stations. Railway officials are monitoring crowd levels and assessing the need for further trains. Senior officials, including divisional railway managers and other railway personnel, are overseeing arrangements to regulate passenger movement and prevent congestion.

What Travellers Should Know

Anand Vihar Terminal is expected to be among the busiest departure points for passengers travelling towards Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. To manage the crowds, holding areas at Anand Vihar and New Delhi railway stations have been equipped with ticket counters, toilets, automated ticket vending machines, catering stalls, help booths and public announcement systems. Railway personnel have also been deployed to assist passengers and guide them through the stations. 

Travellers should check their train numbers, departure stations, timings and stoppages before setting out, as special services may operate on different schedules from regular trains. Passengers can check reservations and seat availability through the official IRCTC website and consult the Indian Railways enquiry portal for train-related information. The NTES service can also be used to check live running status and schedule updates. Reaching the station well ahead of departure is advisable, particularly for families travelling with children and elderly passengers.

It is important to note that the 31-train announcement covers services across multiple Delhi stations, rather than 31 trains operating on a single route. Travellers should verify individual train details before booking, as the broad announcement does not provide a consolidated train-wise timetable.

Travelling Home For Chhath

The additional services come ahead of Chhath Puja, a four-day festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, observed with particular significance in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions. In 2026, the festival's main observances fall between November 13 and 16, beginning with Nahay Khay, followed by Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.

For many people living and working in Delhi and the National Capital Region, the festival is an annual journey home to reunite with family and participate in rituals along rivers, ponds and other water bodies. With passenger numbers rising around the festival, the additional railway services offer more travel options during one of the busiest periods on the rail network.

FAQs