New Delhi, November 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said Indian Railways had arranged around 18,000 special trains to manage the passenger rush during the festive season, with additional services deployed on days expected to witness peak travel demand.
Vaishnaw said an analysis of passenger movement over the past 10 years had helped identify peak travel days and stations witnessing higher demand. The study, conducted using an AI model and excluding the Covid-19 period, was used to decide the number and timings of special trains.
According to the minister, passenger movement is expected to be particularly high on Dhanteras and three days before Chhath Puja. He said the rush on peak days generally begins after 5 p.m., when people working in factories and offices leave for their villages.
“The rush is at its peak during ‘Dhanteras’ rather than on the day of the main Diwali festival. Therefore, maximum special trains have been deployed today, keeping in mind the occasion of Dhanteras,” Vaishnaw said.
He said railway war rooms were operational round-the-clock at the Railway Board, zonal offices, divisional offices and stations. A four-tier war room arrangement had also been established in Mumbai and other locations to monitor operations and respond to emergencies.
Around six train rakes have been kept on standby at the Shakur Basti depot for deployment in case of urgent requirements, the minister added.
Vaishnaw said Indian Railways had operated a record 12,000 special trains during last year’s festive season. Several of those services have since been converted into regular trains, while additional special services are being operated this year to cater to passengers travelling during Diwali, Chhath and Durga Puja.
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