Patna, August 21, 2025 — In a major development aimed at easing the festive travel load, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Wednesday that Indian Railways will operate over 12,000 special train trips for passengers traveling to and from Bihar during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath celebrations.
While the figure may seem staggering, officials clarified that the count refers to train trips, not entirely new train sets—a crucial detail given the logistical complexity The Times of India. These additional services aim to relieve the intense rush when people return home to celebrate with their families.
Key Initiatives to Improve Connectivity
During the announcement, Vaishnaw unveiled multiple enhancements to the festive travel schedule:
- Four new Amrit Bharat Express routes will connect vital corridors: Delhi–Gaya, Saharsa–Amritsar, Chhapra–Delhi, and Muzaffarpur–Hyderabad.
- A Vande Bharat train will soon begin running on the Purnia–Patna route, offering faster and more comfortable travel options.
- A special Buddha Circuit Train will connect heritage destinations like Vaishali, Hajipur, Sonepur, Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, and Koderma—promoting both devotion and tourism Free Press JournalHindustan Times.
Affordable and Convenient Return Options
To encourage efficient bookings and reduce last-minute rush, the railway ministry has introduced a “Round-Trip Package” scheme:
- Passengers booking both forward and return journeys between October 13–26 and November 17–December 1 will receive a 20% discount on the return fare ETInfra.comFree Press Journal.
- Both legs of the journey must feature the same passenger names to be eligible.
These steps are intended to promote early planning, flatten peak load, and offer financial relief during the festive joy.
Operational Feasibility and Local Concerns
Some critics, including the Bihar Daily Passengers’ Association (BDPA), raised concerns about the feasibility of managing so many additional train trips, pointing to limited infrastructure—tracks, platforms, and scheduling capacity—across the state’s railway network The Times of India. Officials responded by reiterating that this approach—using existing rolling stock in multiple rotations—is standard during high-demand periods.
A Look at Historical Precedents
Indian Railways has successfully managed similar large-scale operations in the past:
- Around 7,990 special train trips served 1.8 crore passengers during the October–November 2024 window that included Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath.
- During the Maha Kumbh in early 2025, over 17,300 special trips handled approximately 4.24 crore passengers between January 13 and February 28 The Indian Express.
These precedents suggest that scaling to the current goal, while ambitious, is within the realm of logistical capability if planned and executed well.
What It Means for Travelers
This festive season promises smoother, more organized travel for millions:
- The additional trips and new routes should relieve pressure at key junctions and reduce booking-related anxiety.
- The Buddha Circuit and new express options offer both spiritual enrichment and enhanced connectivity.
- The discount on return tickets is a welcome financial incentive for budget-conscious families.
For optimal results, travelers are advised to use official platforms such as the IRCTC website or app, and book early under the “Festival Specials” tab. The round-trip discount scheme can significantly reduce overall costs.
