1,000+ special train trips announced for Durga Puja, Diwali, Chhath: Check routes (Image generated using AI)Indian Railways Festival Special Trains: North Central Railway (NCR) has announced more than 1,000 special train trips to meet the expected rush during the upcoming festive season. The trains will help passengers who may not get confirmed tickets travel to their hometowns and celebrate the festivals with their families.According to Dr Shivam Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), North Central Railway, these services are being operated as Trains on Demand (TODs). He said the list may be expanded further depending on passenger demand.Indian Railways special trainsThe special trains will operate on several routes, connecting destinations including Kolkata, Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, New Delhi, Palwal, Anand Vihar Terminal, Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Junction, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Gwalior, Dadri, Pune, Hadapsar, Khajuraho, Tiruchanur and Agra Cantonment.The railway official said that NCR is committed to providing passengers with a safe and comfortable journey during the festive season. He said the zone is closely monitoring waiting lists on trains across different routes. Based on ticket bookings and passenger demand received through various platforms, NCR is analysing the data to plan and operate additional special trains.“Special focus is being made on effective crowd management at stations by deploying additional commercial and RPF staff to facilitate passengers. Cleanliness is another focus area, which we are trying to maintain especially in view of the ongoing Swachhata Abhiyan,” Sharma added.Full list of festival special trains (TODs) announced by North Central RailwayAccording to the CPRO, a total of 1,053 Trains on Demand (TOD) trips have been announced as of September 19, 2026. These special trains will operate from October 1 to November 30, covering the 61-day festive period.The trains will operate at different frequencies depending on passenger demand. Some services will run once during the period, while others will operate once or twice a week.Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More