Indian Railways
National News: Every year during Diwali and Chhath, millions of people return home to Bihar and North India. The rush is so heavy that ticket booking becomes almost impossible. Recognising this challenge, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has announced a massive plan. A total of 12,000 special trains will run to meet passenger demand. Compared to last year’s 7,500 trains, this is a huge jump. The decision has been welcomed by passengers who struggle every festive season. The move aims to reduce crowding and provide safer journeys.
To manage the load, Railways will also introduce four new Amrit Bharat trains. These will connect Delhi–Gaya, Saharsa–Amritsar, Chhapra–Delhi, and Muzaffarpur–Hyderabad. The purpose is to provide more comfort to passengers traveling long distances. These routes were selected after studying travel patterns during festive months. General class passengers will benefit the most, as seats are usually packed on regular trains. The new Amrit Bharat service is designed to ease that pressure. Railways hopes this will improve the travel experience during the busiest time of the year.
One of the most important changes this year is confirmed tickets for all passengers traveling between October 13 and 26. Families will no longer have to worry about waiting lists. The scheme ensures that people returning home for Diwali and Chhath have guaranteed seats. For years, complaints of ticket shortages have created frustration.
This step is expected to bring major relief to daily wage workers and students. By giving confirmation, Railways is directly addressing the stress of festival travel. The promise of confirmed tickets is already being seen as a game-changer.
The announcement came after Railway Minister Vaishnav held a meeting with Bihar NDA leaders in Delhi. They discussed preparations for festival travel and requested more trains for the state. The minister assured them that not just new trains but also new schemes are being added. He highlighted that Railways is working closely with state representatives to identify passenger needs.
Local leaders have appreciated this direct approach. By combining state inputs with national planning, Railways is aiming to make the festive journey smoother. The collaboration shows the seriousness of the government on this matter.
Railways has also introduced an experimental scheme that offers a 20% discount on return fares. This discount will be available for journeys between November 17 and December 1. The plan is to make post-festival travel more affordable for migrant workers and families.
Many passengers who come home for Diwali and Chhath often delay return trips due to high costs. With this discount, Railways expects a smoother flow of passengers after the festivals. The scheme is also seen as a way to reduce congestion by spreading out travel dates. Overall, it is a win for passengers.
Out of the planned 12,000 special trains, notifications for 10,000 have already been released. Among them, 150 trains will be unreserved and will run at short notice. These last-minute services will help people who decide to travel suddenly. They are especially important for general passengers who often miss out on reserved tickets.
The minister confirmed that special trains will begin running from October 1 and continue until November 15. This timeline covers the peak period of Diwali and Chhath. It shows Railways’ preparedness to manage the festive crowd effectively.
This large-scale plan by Railways is being described as the biggest festive operation in recent years. From confirmed tickets to discounted fares, every step is designed with passengers in mind. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, which see the highest demand, are the main focus.
For the government, this is not just about transport but about winning public confidence. By almost doubling the number of trains, Railways is trying to make travel stress-free. Families across North India are expected to benefit directly. This festive season could mark a turning point in how India travels for celebrations.
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