A Welcome Festive Announcement
In a move set to bring relief to countless travellers, Indian Railways has announced it will operate hundreds of special train services to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic for upcoming festivals. With the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri starting
on July 16 and Onam celebrations in Kerala following next month, the national carrier is preparing for two of the year's biggest travel seasons. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that over 300 special trains are planned for the Rath Yatra and more than 100 for Onam. This proactive measure aims to ease the otherwise chaotic booking experience, reduce overcrowding on regular services, and ensure that more people can travel home to celebrate with their families. The announcement is a significant step up, building on past efforts to manage festive demand and providing much-needed additional capacity on the nation's busiest corridors.
Key Routes and Augmented Services
These special services will connect major hubs with festival-centric destinations. For the Rath Yatra, trains will link Puri with various parts of the country, including cities like Rourkela, Sambalpur, Visakhapatnam, and Santragachhi in West Bengal. Similarly, the Onam special services are expected to cater to high-demand routes from cities with large Malayali populations, such as Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, connecting them to destinations across Kerala. In addition to running entirely new special services, Indian Railways is also augmenting existing trains. Several key services, like the Bhubaneswar-KSR Bengaluru Prashanti Express and the Sambalpur-Rayagada Express, will have extra AC and Sleeper class coaches added throughout July to create more berths and meet the high demand. These measures collectively enhance connectivity and increase the chances for passengers to secure a confirmed ticket.
How to Book Your Tickets
Securing a seat on these special trains requires prompt action. Tickets can be booked exclusively through the official IRCTC website (irctc.co.in) and the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app. It is important to note that ticket counters at stations will not sell tickets for these special online-only bookings, a measure to streamline the process and manage crowds. To book, you'll need an IRCTC account. New users should register in advance to save time. When booking, search for trains between your desired stations on your travel date. Special trains are often identified by a train number starting with '0'. The fares for these trains may include a 'special charge' component, making them slightly higher than regular services. Given the high demand, it's advisable to have your passenger details ready and use the 'Master List' feature on IRCTC to pre-fill information for faster checkout. Bookings open on specific dates, which will be announced alongside the detailed train schedules, so staying updated is key.
Essential Tips for a Smoother Journey
While the extra trains are a major help, a little planning can make your holiday travel even smoother. First, book your tickets as soon as the reservation window opens, as seats on popular routes fill up within minutes. If you land on the waitlist, keep a regular check on your PNR status; many waitlisted tickets get confirmed closer to the travel date. On the day of travel, arrive at the station well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush. Pack essentials like a light blanket, as AC coach temperatures can be quite cool, and secure your luggage with locks for peace of mind. Also, keep your own snacks and a water bottle handy, although many long-distance trains have pantry cars. Finally, always carry a valid ID proof along with your ticket, whether it's a digital copy on your phone or a printout.
