The festive season, including Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, sees a massive surge in train passenger traffic. To accommodate the anticipated crowds, the Lucknow Division of Northern Railway is preparing to launch 52 special festival trains. A proposal has been submitted to the Railway Board, and the schedule for these trains is currently being finalized. This initiative aims to ease travel for those heading home during the holidays.
The original plan was to operate 60 trains; however, this was adjusted based on the availability of train carriages. The Railway Board currently manages over 100 trains that pass through Lucknow, serving destinations like Bihar, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi. These trains belong to the North and Northeast Railways. Despite this, there is significant overcrowding during Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja.
The high passenger volume in Lucknow has resulted in a shortage of seats on trains bound for Bihar and Kolkata. Similarly, trains arriving from Delhi and Mumbai to Lucknow and Gorakhpur are also experiencing high demand. Even regular trains, including festival specials, are running at full capacity, with no availability even for waiting list tickets.
To address the passenger needs, the Lucknow Railway Division has decided to introduce 52 special festival trains. Railway officials indicate that the proposal is with the Railway Board, and approval is expected within a week. In addition to these special trains, the railway administration is also planning to operate circular trains, which will serve short-distance routes.