As the festive season approaches, millions of passengers across India prepare to visit their families and celebrate together. Indian Railways has made a big announcement to make this journey smoother and stress-free: the launch of 150 Festive Special Trains. These trains will be operational across various routes in the country, ensuring that travelers can book their seats in advance and avoid the last-minute rush.
This move is a welcome relief for passengers who usually face challenges such as overbooked trains, long waiting lists, and last-minute cancellations during peak travel seasons like Diwali, Dussehra, and Chhath Puja. With this step, Indian Railways aims to provide comfort, convenience, and hassle-free travel for everyone.
Why Indian Railways is Launching 150 Festive Special Trains
Festivals in India are known for bringing people together. Every year, millions of passengers travel across states to celebrate with loved ones. This surge in demand often leads to crowded trains, long queues at ticket counters, and even stranded passengers.
To address this growing demand, Indian Railways has decided to run 150 Festive Special Trains on some of the busiest routes. These trains will not only decongest regular routes but also ensure passengers get confirmed tickets at affordable fares.
Key Highlights of the Festive Special Trains
- Total Number of Trains: 150 special trains.
- Operational Routes: Covering major cities and states with high passenger demand.
- Focus Areas: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Patna, Lucknow, and other big hubs.
- Advance Booking: Seats are already open for reservation, ensuring people can plan ahead.
- Classes Available: Sleeper, AC Chair Car, and AC 3-Tier, depending on the route.
Benefits of Booking Early
- Confirmed Seats: With heavy festive demand, booking early ensures you don’t get stuck with waiting list tickets.
- Better Fares: Prices may increase closer to the date, so booking early can save money.
- Convenience: Peace of mind knowing that your travel plans are secure well in advance.
- Family Travel: Families can sit together if booked earlier, avoiding last-minute separation in seating.
Table: Breakdown of Festive Special Trains
Here’s a simple breakdown of the special trains and how they will be distributed:
| Region / Zone | Number of Special Trains | Major Routes Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Railway (Delhi) | 40 | Delhi–Patna, Delhi–Lucknow, Delhi–Varanasi |
| Western Railway (Mumbai) | 30 | Mumbai–Ahmedabad, Mumbai–Jaipur, Mumbai–Surat |
| Eastern Railway (Kolkata) | 25 | Kolkata–Patna, Kolkata–Ranchi, Kolkata–Delhi |
| Southern Railway (Chennai) | 20 | Chennai–Bengaluru, Chennai–Hyderabad |
| Central Railway | 15 | Pune–Nagpur, Mumbai–Varanasi |
| North Eastern & Others | 20 | Lucknow–Gorakhpur, Patna–Darbhanga, Guwahati |
Total Special Trains Announced: 150
Tips for Hassle-Free Travel
- Book Online: Use IRCTC or official railway apps to avoid long queues.
- Travel Light: Carry only necessary luggage to make your journey smooth.
- Keep Documents Ready: Valid ID proof is mandatory for ticket verification.
- Check Train Timings: Confirm your train schedule a day before departure.
- Use Waiting Lounges: Major stations will provide resting areas for passengers.
Expected Impact
The decision to introduce 150 Festive Special Trains will help millions of passengers travel without stress. It is expected that waiting lists will reduce drastically, and more people will be able to enjoy comfortable journeys. This step also reflects the Railways’ commitment to providing better connectivity and improved passenger experience during peak travel seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the Festive Special Trains start running?
These trains will operate during the peak festive months, starting from September end and continuing till after Diwali and Chhath Puja.
Q2. How can I book tickets for these trains?
Tickets can be booked online through the official IRCTC website or at railway reservation counters across the country.
Q3. Are these trains only for long-distance travel?
No, they cover both long-distance and medium-distance routes depending on passenger demand.
Q4. Will these trains have Tatkal booking options?
Yes, Tatkal booking will also be available for selected special trains.
Q5. Are the fares higher than regular trains?
The fares are marginally higher compared to regular trains but still affordable for passengers.
Q6. Can I cancel my ticket if my plan changes?
Yes, standard railway cancellation and refund policies will apply to these tickets.
