### Indian Railways Prepares for Record Passenger Traffic During Festive Season As the festive season approaches, Indian Railways is gearing up to accommodate an unprecedented surge in passenger traffic. With over **2.5 crore** passengers expected to travel by train during this period, the national transporter is implementing extensive measures to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for travelers. This includes the operation of more than **12,000 special trains** across the country, particularly during the Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja celebrations [https://indianexpress.com/article/india/over-2-5-crore-passengers-travel-by-trains-this-festive-season-indian-railways-10328290]. ### Overview of Indian Railways' Festive Travel Strategy 1. **Special Train Operations**: - Indian Railways will run **1,500 special trains** over the next five days specifically for Chhath Puja, in addition to regular services [https://www.thehawk.in/news/india/indian-railways-tries-to-ease-holiday-rush-for-chhath-puja-with-special-trains]. 2. **Increased Capacity**: - The railway network is enhancing its capacity by adding more coaches and implementing passenger-friendly measures to manage the expected surge in travel demand [https://www.india.com/news/india/indian-railways-irctc-chhath-puja-diwali-goverdhan-modi-government-vande-bharat-rajdhani-shatabdi-express-tejas-metro-trains-bullet-train-8144953]. 3. **Safety and Comfort Initiatives**: - The focus is on ensuring safe and comfortable travel for passengers, with measures in place to enhance passenger safety and comfort during the festive rush [https://www.thedailyjagran.com/india/chhath-puja-special-train-indian-railways-to-run-1500-special-trains-for-the-next-5-days-to-manage-festive-travel-rush-10275235]. ### Supporting Data on Train Operations - **Total Special Trains**: - Over **12,000 special trains** are scheduled to operate from **October 1 to November 30, 2025** [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3670841-eastern-railway-boosts-festive-travel-with-special-train-surge]. - **Daily Operations**: - An average of **300 special trains** will be run daily during the peak of the Chhath Puja festivities [https://www.republicworld.com/india/indian-railways-to-run-1500-special-trains-for-next-5-days-to-cater-to-rush-during-chhath-puja]. - **Previous Operations**: - In the past 21 days, Indian Railways has already operated **4,493 special train trips**, averaging **213 trips per day** [https://www.thehonanews.in/2025/10/22/indian-railways-to-operate-1500-special-trains-in-next-five-days-for-chhath-festive-rush]. ### Conclusion: A Comprehensive Approach to Festive Travel In summary, Indian Railways is taking significant steps to manage the anticipated travel rush during the festive season. The key points include: 1. **Extensive Train Operations**: The operation of **1,500 special trains** over the next five days is a critical part of the strategy to accommodate the surge in passengers during Chhath Puja. 2. **Increased Capacity and Safety Measures**: Enhancements in train capacity and safety protocols are being prioritized to ensure a comfortable travel experience. 3. **Long-Term Planning**: The overall plan includes more than **12,000 special trains** throughout the festive season, reflecting a robust approach to managing holiday travel demands. These measures underscore Indian Railways' commitment to serving as a vital transportation lifeline during one of the busiest travel periods of the year [https://www.angelone.in/news/economy/indian-railways-runs-1500-special-trains-to-ensure-smooth-festive-travel].