Indian Railways to Run Over 12,000 Special Trains for Diwali & Chhath; 20% Discount on Return Tickets
New Delhi, 21st August 2025: In a bid to accommodate the surge in passenger demand during the Diwali and Chhath festivals, Indian Railways has announced the operation of over 12,000 special trains. The initiative aims to ease travel for millions of people traveling to their hometowns during the festive season.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the move after discussions with Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Union Minister Lalan Singh, and MP Sanjay Kumar Jha. During a press briefing, Vaishnaw highlighted that the new arrangements would also ensure smooth travel for passengers during their return journey.
The special train services will be available for travelers on onward journeys from October 13 to 26, and return journeys from November 17 to December 1. Passengers will also benefit from a 20% discount on return tickets during this period.
Additionally, four new Amrit Bharat Express trains will be introduced. These will run on the following routes: Gaya to Delhi, Saharsa to Amritsar, Chhapra to Delhi, and Muzaffarpur to Hyderabad. A new circuit train will also be launched to connect major Buddhist sites such as Vaishali, Hajipur, Sonepur, Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, and Koderma. This service is particularly designed for middle-class families.
In a significant move to improve infrastructure, the Buxar–Lakhisarai rail section will be expanded into a four-line corridor. The development of a ring railway system around Patna, as well as the connection of Sultanganj and Deoghar by rail, will further enhance connectivity. Additionally, a new train service between Patna and Ayodhya will be introduced.
The Railway Ministry also plans to set up a washing pit facility at Laukaha Bazar and will carry out work on several newly approved road overbridges in Bihar.
The announcement was met with appreciation from local leaders, including Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, and MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, who thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving these projects and new services, including the Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains.
