Railways To Run 650 Extra Train Trips To Tackle Christmas–New Year Rush
To manage the surge of passengers heading home or to tourist destinations during Christmas and New Year, Indian Railways has drawn up an extensive plan of **138 special trains** that together will make about **650 trips** over the next few weeks. The Railway Ministry said in a statement that **244 of these trips have already been notified**, and more services will be announced zone‑wise as demand patterns firm up.
Where The Extra Trains Will Run
The specials are being spread across **nine railway zones**, with a focus on high‑demand corridors connecting metros, pilgrimage centres and popular holiday spots. Western Railway has the largest share, with **26 special trains and 226 approved trips**, followed by Central Railway with **18 trains and 118 trips**, and South Central Railway with **26 trains** and several services on routes such as Hyderabad–Tirupati, Hyderabad–Visakhapatnam and Kakinada–Vikarabad.
Additional specials are planned on busy routes linking **Mumbai, Delhi, Howrah, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Nagpur and Goa**, giving passengers more options on days when regular trains are running full or only wait‑listed berths are available.
Objective: Ease Overcrowding And Long Waiting Lists
Railways officials said the 650 extra trips will add **thousands of additional berths and seats** in both reserved and unreserved classes, aimed at reducing overcrowding in sleeper and general coaches and improving passenger comfort. The ministry has asked passengers to check detailed schedules, halts and booking dates for each special train on the IRCTC website, National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app and zonal‑railway notifications before planning their journey.
Passenger associations have welcomed the move but urged Railways to keep a close watch on demand on specific dates—such as December 22–25 and December 29–January 2—and add more trips or extra coaches where necessary to avoid overcrowding on platforms and in coaches.
Tips For Travellers This Festive Season
Officials advise passengers to book tickets early, use the “Vikalp” scheme where available, and reach stations well in advance as crowds are expected to be heavy during evening and overnight departures. Travellers have also been requested to avoid unauthorised agents, check coach and platform information only through official announcements, and follow basic safety rules while boarding or de‑boarding packed trains.
With the year‑end holiday season coinciding with winter fog and busy tourism traffic, Railways hopes the network of 138 special trains and 650 additional trips will help clear waiting lists and offer smoother journeys to over a million extra passengers nationwide.
