As the festive season approaches, Indian Railways has decided to run nearly 6,000 special trains to help more than one million passengers return home for the Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath festivals.
Besides, additional regular coaches have been added to 108 trains and 12,500 coaches have been sanctioned to take care of the rush during the festive season, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told a select group of reporters here.
Several railway routes, especially those to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal witness heavy rush during Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath festivals.
Vaishnaw said a total of 5,975 special trains have been notified so far for this year’s festival season, up from 4,429 last year.
“This will help more than one passenger to go home during this puja,” he said.
Durga Puja starts on October 9, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31 and Chhath Puja will be held on November 7 and 8 this year.