To accommodate the surge in passenger demand during the festive season, Indian Railways is set to operate 7,000 special trains across various regions, targeting key routes for Diwali and Chhath Puja travel. This substantial effort aims to ease the travel experience for millions of people journeying home or to popular destinations for family gatherings and celebrations. The extensive plan includes both regular special trains and clone trains, which are additional services running on high-demand routes to provide relief from booking congestion and increase availability.

These trains are scheduled to cover major cities and populous areas, facilitating smoother travel and reducing the burden on standard services. Indian Railways has coordinated with various railway zones to implement an efficient schedule that maximizes track usage while ensuring passenger safety and convenience. IRCTC booking systems have been optimized to handle the expected increase in ticket purchases, with real-time updates and ticket availability checks available for passengers.

Popular routes that will see increased frequency include those connecting cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna, and Varanasi, as these areas traditionally experience a high influx of travelers. To maintain operational efficiency, clone trains are scheduled to run shortly after the primary train service on the same route, allowing for multiple travel options within a short time frame and aiding crowd management. Indian Railways has also announced enhanced safety protocols to ensure secure travel, particularly on overcrowded routes, with additional staff deployed at key stations for crowd control.

This initiative aligns with Indian Railways' commitment to providing accessible and efficient travel solutions during critical times, ensuring better service delivery for all. By leveraging existing infrastructure and optimizing resources, Indian Railways aims to address travel needs during the holiday season, enhancing the travel experience for millions across the country.