Understanding the Festive Surge
Each year, the period from October to November sees a massive spike in travel across India as millions head home to celebrate Diwali and Chhath Puja with their families. This year, with Diwali falling on November 8, the peak travel rush is expected to begin
in the first week of November. This surge places immense pressure on the railway network, leading to long waiting lists and a frantic scramble for confirmed tickets on popular routes, especially those connecting major metropolitan hubs to states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. To manage this predictable demand, Indian Railways pre-emptively schedules hundreds of additional 'Festival Special' trains. For 2026, the railway has notified over 8,454 special train trips to be operated between October 1 and November 30.
Focus on High-Demand Corridors
The bulk of these special services are strategically deployed on the nation's busiest travel corridors. Unsurprisingly, states with a high volume of migrant workers and students receive the most attention. For the 2026 festive season, Bihar has been allocated the largest share with 2,057 special train trips, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 1,056 trips. Key routes seeing new services include connections between Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and cities like Patna, Varanasi, and Howrah. For instance, multiple Vande Bharat Express specials are being operated between New Delhi and Patna Junction to offer faster, more comfortable travel options during the rush. Similarly, special trains are connecting southern hubs like Bengaluru with destinations in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Assam to cater to passengers from all corners of the country.
Key Special Train Routes Announced
Among the many services announced, several key trains are set to ease congestion. A tri-weekly Vande Bharat Express special will run between New Delhi and Patna Junction from October 21 to November 26, with stops at major stations like Kanpur Central, Prayagraj, and Buxar. In fact, a second Vande Bharat has been added on the same route, providing a daily service option except on Fridays. For travellers from the west, a weekly superfast special will operate between CSMT Mumbai and Nagpur. In the south, a Puja Special Express (06559/06560) will make six trips in each direction between SMVT Bengaluru and Rangapara North in Assam, passing through key Andhra Pradesh stations like Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, and Duvvada. Another service will connect Guntur with Kolkata, providing a crucial link for passengers in Andhra Pradesh heading eastward.
How to Book and Plan Your Trip
Booking tickets for these special trains requires timely action. Most general quota tickets for regular trains during Diwali were booked up within minutes of the 60-day booking window opening in early September. However, these festival special trains are announced closer to the travel date, typically 10 to 30 days in advance, and have their own booking schedules. Travellers should constantly monitor the IRCTC website, the official mobile app, and news updates for announcements. Since these trains are classified as 'special', fares may be slightly higher than on regular services. When booking, ensure you have your passenger details ready to complete the transaction quickly. For those unable to secure a direct ticket, using journey planning tools to find 'split journeys' with confirmed berths on different legs of a route can be a viable strategy.
Tips for a Smoother Journey
Even with additional services, expect stations and trains to be crowded. Arrive at the station well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes. Pack light to make navigating crowded platforms easier and ensure your luggage is secure. While on board, be mindful of your belongings and follow any safety advisories issued by the railway authorities. To make your travel more comfortable, consider pre-ordering meals online through services that deliver directly to your train seat, as pantry car services can be overwhelmed during peak season. Remember that the goal of these special trains is to ensure everyone can get home safely for the holidays, and a little extra patience and planning can go a long way in ensuring a pleasant journey for all.
