Bhubaneswar: In anticipation of the heavy passenger rush during the upcoming festive season, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has arranged a series of Special Trains to ensure hassle-free travel for devotees and festival-goers. These Puja Special Trains will operate until the last week of November, covering the Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja holidays.
A total of 27 pairs of Special Trains have been scheduled to run towards various destinations across the country from ECoR’s jurisdiction, with an additional 14 Special Trains passing through the region. Altogether, 1,134 trips are planned, accommodating over 5.32 lakh additional passengers during this period.
Passengers are advised to book tickets for these Special Trains when regular trains show waiting lists, as this initiative aims to ease the pressure on the existing services. The Special Trains will run in all directions, ensuring increased connectivity and convenience during this high-demand season.
Real-time updates on the schedule and availability of these trains will be accessible through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES), East Coast Railway’s social media platforms, and PRS Enquiry Counters at railway stations. These platforms will help travelers stay informed and plan their journeys accordingly.
The Special Trains will depart from major stations under ECoR’s jurisdiction, covering popular destinations across the country, including:
- Bhubaneswar to Dhanbad (Jharkhand) and Yesvantpur (Bengaluru),
- Puri to Patna, Nizamuddin, Udhna (Surat), Kolkata, Gwalior, Santragachhi, Shalimar, and Bhanjapur (Baripada),
- Sambalpur to Erode (Kerala),
- Visakhapatnam to Secunderabad, Bengaluru, Tirupati, Chennai, Kollam (Kerala), Shalimar, and Araku,
- Brahmapur to Nanded (Maharashtra), Secunderabad, and Surat (Gujarat),
- Srikakulam to Secunderabad and Tirupati,
- Cuttack to Hyderabad.
ECoR remains committed to providing efficient and convenient services to its passengers, especially during the festive season when travel demand is at its peak. These Special Trains will ensure that passengers reach their destinations safely and on time, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable festive celebration.