Planning to travel by train around Raksha Bandhan? There is some relief for passengers facing crowded trains and difficulty getting confirmed tickets.
West Central Railway has announced 47 special train services across five routes to handle the expected increase in passenger demand during the festive season.
These special trains will operate from August 22 to August 31, covering both the pre-festival rush and the return journey after Raksha Bandhan.
47 Special Trains To Cover Five Routes
The additional services will run on five routes under the West Central Railway zone.
The move is aimed at providing more seats to passengers travelling to their hometowns for Raksha Bandhan.
It will also help reduce pressure on regular trains, which are expected to remain heavily crowded during this period.
The Railways is adding these services temporarily so that more passengers can travel without putting additional pressure on the existing train network.
Up To 1 Lakh Passengers Could Benefit
West Central Railway expects the special services to help around one lakh passengers during the festive period.
Raksha Bandhan usually leads to a sharp increase in train travel as people visit their siblings, parents and other relatives.
The rush is not limited to the festival day. Many passengers travel a few days before Raksha Bandhan and return to their cities several days later.
The special trains are therefore being operated across a longer period to spread the passenger load.
Services Will Continue Until August 31
The special train operation started on August 22 and will continue until August 31.
Starting the services before the festival gives passengers more travel options and can prevent everyone from travelling on the same day.
The services will also cover the post-Raksha Bandhan rush, when passengers begin returning to their workplaces and cities.
Why Are Special Trains Important During Festivals?
Indian Railways regularly introduces special trains during major festivals when passenger demand rises beyond the capacity of regular services.
Festivals such as Raksha Bandhan, Diwali, Holi and Chhath often result in a huge increase in passenger movement.
Special trains allow the Railways to add temporary capacity without making permanent changes to regular train schedules.
Passengers Should Check Train Details Carefully
While these special trains can make it easier to get a seat, passengers should check the train number, route, departure time, stoppages and ticket availability before travelling.
Special trains may have different timings and stoppages compared with regular trains operating on the same route.
Passengers should also reach the station well in advance, as major railway stations are likely to remain crowded during the festive period.
Return Journey May Also Be Crowded
The travel rush is unlikely to end immediately after Raksha Bandhan.
Many people stay with their families for a few days before returning to their cities. This means trains could remain busy even after the festival.
The decision to run special services until August 31 is expected to help manage this return rush as well.
Relief For Raksha Bandhan Travellers
The announcement of 47 special trains across five routes is good news for passengers struggling to find confirmed tickets during the festive rush.
With additional services available from August 22 to August 31, travellers will have more options to plan their journeys.
The Railways expects these trains to help around one lakh passengers and reduce overcrowding on regular services during the Raksha Bandhan travel period.
