The Annual Festive Rush
Every year, the period between October and November witnesses one of the largest movements of people in India. Lakhs of individuals working in metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai travel back to their hometowns to celebrate Dussehra,
Durga Puja, and Diwali with their families. This creates an unprecedented demand for train tickets, with reservations on popular routes filling up within minutes of opening. To address this, Indian Railways announces thousands of special train services, often identified by a '0' prefix in their train number. These services are crucial for clearing the extra rush and providing confirmed travel options to passengers who would otherwise be left on long waiting lists.
Key Routes for Durga Puja and Dussehra
The travel rush is particularly intense on corridors connecting major cities to West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh. For the 2026 season, several key announcements have been made. Northern Railway is running special services connecting Delhi with destinations like Danapur, Varanasi, and Ayodhya. Similarly, routes from Chandigarh and Firozepur Cantt to Patna are being serviced to cater to passengers heading to Bihar. For those travelling towards West Bengal and Odisha, special trains have been announced connecting Puri, Santragachi, and Shalimar. These trains, such as the Puri-Santragachi Puja Special, will run multiple trips throughout October. Routes connecting the south to the east, like SMVT Bengaluru to New Tinsukia and Howrah, are also part of the special calendar.
Connecting Western and Southern India
Central and Western Railways have also rolled out an extensive list of special trains to manage the holiday demand. Over 100 special services will connect key hubs like Mumbai, Chennai, Latur, Kolhapur, and Kalaburagi. A weekly special will operate between Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Chennai, making six trips in each direction from mid-October to mid-November. Additionally, bi-weekly services have been announced between CSMT Mumbai and Latur, and near-daily services between Kolhapur and Kalaburagi. For passengers travelling between Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, daily specials from CSMT to Gorakhpur and bi-weekly services from LTT to Mau and Banaras have been introduced. Southern Railway has also added weekly express specials between Chennai Egmore and Kollam to serve passengers in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
How to Book Your Tickets
Booking for these festival special trains typically opens on a shorter notice period compared to regular trains, sometimes just 15 to 30 days in advance. However, some announcements for Diwali travel have seen bookings open as early as September. It is crucial to monitor announcements from zonal railways. Tickets can be booked through the official IRCTC website and mobile app. Due to high demand, seats on these special trains get booked very quickly. Experts advise setting up a 'Master List' of passengers on the IRCTC profile to speed up the booking process. These special trains often have a 'special charge', making them slightly more expensive than regular services. It's also worth noting that regular concessions are generally not applicable on these trains.
Tips for a Smoother Journey
If your preferred train is fully booked, check for availability from adjacent stations, as they might have a separate quota of seats. Also, consider being flexible with your travel dates; travelling a day or two before the peak festival day can significantly increase your chances of getting a confirmed ticket. Before starting your journey, always check the train's real-time running status and any updates on timings or halts using the NTES portal or official railway apps. Even with special services, expect platforms and trains to be crowded. Packing light and keeping your valuables secure will help make for a more comfortable travel experience during this busy season.
