The railway system braces itself for a significant influx of passengers during the Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja festivals. In response to this, the North Railway Lucknow Division is set to launch 52 special festival trains. A formal proposal has been submitted to the Railway Board, and the specifics regarding train schedules are currently under review. This initiative is designed to facilitate easier travel for people during the holiday season.
The initial plan was to operate 60 trains, but this was adapted based on coach availability. The Railway Board currently manages over 100 trains that pass through Lucknow, connecting to destinations like Bihar, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi. These trains are part of the North and Northeast Railway. However, despite the existing services, high passenger volumes are expected during Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja.
Due to high passenger traffic in Lucknow, seats are scarce on trains heading to Bihar and Kolkata. The same situation exists on trains from Delhi and Mumbai to Lucknow and Gorakhpur. Even the festival specials and regular trains are experiencing full capacity, with no availability even for waiting list tickets.
In an effort to help passengers, the Lucknow Railway Division has decided to introduce 52 special festival trains. According to railway sources, the proposal has been forwarded to the Railway Board and is anticipated to be approved within a week. In addition to the special trains, the railway administration is also planning to implement circular trains, which will serve routes between shorter-distance stations.