Eastern Railway will operate 1,354 special train trips between October 1 and November 30, 2026, as passenger numbers are expected to rise during Durga Puja and Chhath. The plan also includes more night suburban services, larger passenger holding areas, additional ticket counters and expanded security deployment at stations likely to face heavy crowds.
The number of special trips is 12.08 per cent higher than the 1,208 services operated during the corresponding festive period in 2025, according to Shibram Majhi, Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway. The railway has also increased night suburban services during the main Durga Puja period. A total of 63 services will operate between October 17 and 21, compared with 39 during the corresponding period last year, marking a 61.54 per cent increase.
The arrangements are intended to manage passenger surges at stations and reduce congestion during peak travel hours. Eastern Railway has expanded the total passenger holding area across its network from 1,02,777 square feet in 2025 to 1,39,377 square feet this year, an increase of 35.61 per cent. Holding areas are used to accommodate passengers before they are allowed to proceed towards platforms during periods of high crowd density.
Ticketing capacity is also being increased. The railway will make 64 unreserved ticket counters available during the festive period, compared with 47 during normal periods. Mobile ticketing counters will rise from 24 to 38. The number of commercial staff deployed during Durga Puja has increased from 369 last year to 447 this year.
Security arrangements have been strengthened at stations expected to see heavy passenger traffic. Eastern Railway said the number of CCTV cameras at these locations 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 RPF staff also assigned to escort night local trains.
The 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 round-the-clock central and divisional control rooms.
Cleaning and passenger welfare operations will run throughout the day in three shifts, with additional staff deployed during busy evening and night hours. Majhi said the cleaning drive would be monitored by AME/EnHM teams and Chief Health Inspectors, using mechanised cleaning, continuous garbage removal and chlorination checks for drinking water safety.
Railway staff will be positioned near lifts and escalators, while power backups and clear emergency exits will be maintained. Eastern Railway also said measures would be taken to avoid last-minute platform changes. The festive-season arrangements will remain in place through November 30, covering the period in which Durga Puja and Chhath-related passenger movement is expected to be elevated.
