Eastern Railway will operate 1,354 special train trips between October 1 and November 30, 2026, as it prepares for increased passenger demand during Durga Puja and Chhath. The railway has also expanded night suburban services, passenger holding areas, ticketing capacity and security deployment across stations expected to see heavy crowds.
The number of special train trips is 12.08 per cent higher than the 1,208 trips operated during the corresponding festive period in 2025, according to Shibram Majhi, Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway. During Durga Puja, 63 special night suburban services will operate from October 17 to 21, compared with 39 services during the same period last year. This represents a 61.54 per cent increase in night local services.
Eastern Railway has increased the total passenger holding area across its network from 1,02,777 square feet in 2025 to 1,39,377 square feet this year, a rise of 35.61 per cent. The additional space is intended to help manage passenger queues and prevent overcrowding at stations during peak periods.
Commercial staffing has also been increased for the festive period. The number of commercial staff deployed during Durga Puja will rise from 369 last year to 447 this year. Sixty-four unreserved ticket counters will be available, compared with 47 during normal periods, while the number of mobile ticketing counters has increased from 24 to 38.
Security arrangements have been strengthened at stations expected to handle large passenger volumes. The number of CCTV cameras at these stations has risen from 1,439 in 2025 to 1,882 in 2026. Railway Protection Force deployment has increased from 1,514 personnel to 1,822, with female personnel also being assigned to night local train escorts.
Eastern Railway said medical support would be available at important locations through emergency medical rooms, medical booths, medical teams and round-the-clock ambulance services. Other measures include dog squads, luggage scanners, flying squads, armed Quick Response Teams and central and divisional control rooms operating around the clock.
Cleaning and passenger welfare arrangements will also operate continuously during the rush period. According to the railway, cleaning will be conducted in three shifts, with additional staff deployed during busy evening and night hours. Mechanised cleaning, continuous garbage removal and chlorination checks for drinking water will be monitored by AME/EnHM teams and Chief Health Inspectors.
Railway staff will be positioned near lifts and escalators, while power backups and emergency exits will be maintained. Eastern Railway has also said that crowd-management measures will be used to avoid last-minute platform changes. The special services and support arrangements will remain in place through November 30, covering the main Durga Puja and Chhath travel period.
