MALIGAON, SEPTEMBER 29 (MExN): In a move to accommodate the expected surge of travelers during the festive season, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has announced the operation of 26 special trains.
These trains will run from October 1 to November 30, 2024, to facilitate travel during the major festivals of Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja.
The 13 pairs of special trains will connect key destinations including Amritsar, Bengaluru, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Anand Vihar, and Shri Ganganagar, among others. This initiative is expected to enhance connectivity within the region, serving areas such as Agartala, Naharlagun, Silchar, New Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Katihar.
NFR's plan includes a total of 28 special trains, providing 254 trips throughout the festive period. This marks a significant increase compared to 2023, where NFR operated fewer trains during the same timeframe.
In line with Indian Railways’ annual tradition, more than 6,000 special trains are set to run across the country this festive season. This increase is essential to manage the millions of travelers who typically journey to East and North Indian states like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar for these significant festivals. Last year, Indian Railways successfully operated 4,429 festival special trains, ensuring a smooth travel experience for countless passengers.
With tickets often booked well in advance due to high demand, the introduction of these special trains aims to alleviate congestion and ensure passengers reach their destinations safely and comfortably during this bustling time of year.
