Western Railway, along with other zones of Indian Railways, has announced the operation of 150 Puja Special Trains during the upcoming festive season. The special services will run between 21 September and 30 November 2025, covering more than 2,024 additional trips across the country.
This decision has been taken to manage the massive rush of passengers during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, ensuring that people can travel conveniently to their hometowns and celebrate festivals with their families.
Why Indian Railways is Running Puja Special Trains?
Every year during the festive season, especially from September to November, the number of train passengers increases sharply. To handle this extra demand and reduce the burden on regular trains, Indian Railways introduces Puja Special trains.
This year, the railways has planned over 12,000 trips of different trains during the festive period. Out of these, 150 Puja Special trains will play a key role in connecting metro cities with smaller towns and villages, ensuring smooth connectivity across India.
Key Highlights of the Puja Special Trains
- Duration: 21 September 2025 – 30 November 2025
- Total Trains: 150 Puja Special trains
- Total Trips: 2,024 additional trips
- Zones Involved: South Central, East Central, Eastern, Western, South, East Coast, South Eastern, North Central, South East Central, and West Central Railways
Western Railway Contribution
The Western Railway will play a significant role in the festive season travel plan. From Mumbai, Surat, and Vadodara, a total of 24 special trains have been announced. These trains will together make 204 trips, providing extra seats for passengers traveling to different states during the festivals.
The Western Railway network connects several important cities of Gujarat and Maharashtra with North and Eastern parts of India, making it one of the busiest zones during festive times.
Contribution of Other Railway Zones
While Western Railway is managing special services from Mumbai and Gujarat, many other zones are also increasing train operations. Here is the breakdown:
| Railway Zone | No. of Trains | Total Trips | Major Routes/Stations Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Central Railway | 48 | 684 | Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Vijayawada |
| East Central Railway | 14 | 588 | Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur |
| Eastern Railway | 24 | 198 | Kolkata, Sealdah, Howrah |
| Western Railway | 24 | 204 | Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara |
| Southern Railway | 10 | 66 | Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai |
| East Coast Railway | – | – | Bhubaneswar, Puri, Sambalpur |
| South Eastern Railway | – | – | Ranchi, Tatanagar |
| North Central Railway | – | – | Prayagraj, Kanpur |
| South East Central Railway | – | – | Bilaspur, Raipur |
| West Central Railway | – | – | Bhopal, Kota |
Special Focus on Bihar-Bound Trains
A major chunk of the Puja Special trains will serve Bihar-bound passengers, as the demand from states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand rises heavily during Chhath Puja.
- East Central Railway will run 14 trains with 588 trips.
- These trains will connect cities such as Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Muzaffarpur with metro cities across India.
Kolkata and Eastern India
The Eastern Railway has also announced 24 Puja Special trains, operating 198 trips from busy hubs like Kolkata, Sealdah, and Howrah. These trains will help ease the heavy festive rush from Bengal to other parts of India.
Southern and Coastal India
The Southern Railway will run 10 special trains from Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai, making 66 trips in total.
Meanwhile, the East Coast Railway will ensure connectivity from Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Sambalpur, catering to Odisha passengers traveling during Durga Puja and Diwali.
Booking, Schedule, and Passenger Guidelines
- Tickets: Passengers are advised to book tickets in advance through the official Indian Railways website, IRCTC app, or authorized ticket counters.
- Timings & Routes: Complete details of train numbers, schedules, and stoppages are available on the official Railway websites and notice boards at major stations.
- Safety & Cleanliness: Passengers are requested to follow all safety guidelines and cleanliness rules issued by the Ministry of Railways.
Why This Step is Important
Festivals in India are not just about celebration but also about family reunions. Millions of people travel long distances to their hometowns during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath. Regular trains often run overbooked, making it difficult for passengers to get confirmed tickets.
By running 150 Puja Special Trains across the country, Indian Railways is ensuring:
- Smooth connectivity between metros and rural regions
- Reduction in ticket waitlists
- Comfortable travel experience for long-distance passengers
- Boost in regional tourism and economic activity
Also read: Ro Ro Ferry Mumbai to Konkan: Launch Date, Ticket Prices, Routes, and Complete Travel Guide
Conclusion
The announcement of 150 Puja Special Trains by Indian Railways, including 24 trains and 204 trips under Western Railway, is a major relief for festive travelers. These trains will not only decongest the regular network but also provide affordable and safe travel options for millions of Indians heading home during the festive season.
With bookings already open, passengers are advised to reserve their seats early to avoid last-minute rush. This initiative by Indian Railways highlights its commitment to passenger convenience, regional connectivity, and festive spirit.
