Indian Railways Announces 244 Special Trains For Christmas And New Year Travel

The festive season is almost upon us, and with Christmas and New Year just around the corner, people across India are already planning their getaways. Whether it's heading home to celebrate with family or escaping to a beach or hill station, trains remain one of the most popular ways to travel during this busy period. Every year, the surge in demand sees millions of passengers vying for seats, resulting in crowded platforms and packed coaches.

This year, Indian Railways is making festive travel easier by introducing 244 special train services across the country to ensure passengers reach their destinations smoothly. "For the Christmas and New Year period of 2025-26, Indian Railways has planned an extensive operation of special trains across eight zones to manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic. A total of 244 trips have been notified so far, with more to follow in the coming days," said a statement from the Ministry of Railways.

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Key Routes For Indian Railways Christmas And New Year Special Trains

These additional services will run on major high-demand routes nationwide. For instance, on the Mumbai-Goa (Konkan) corridor, daily and weekly specials will operate between Mumbai CSMT / LTT and Karmali / Madgaon. These trains will halt at key stations and offer extra seating and sleeper options, making holiday travel more comfortable. Maharashtra will also see extra trains on routes such as Mumbai-Nagpur and Pune-Sanganer.

Extra Train Services Across Northern, Eastern, Southern And Central India

Northern and eastern India will benefit from special trains connecting cities like Delhi, Howrah and Lucknow, giving long-distance travellers more options and reducing overcrowding. Meanwhile, southern and central regions will see additional services between Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mangaluru and other cities, ensuring smoother journeys even during peak festive traffic. Popular routes such as CSMT-Karmali, LTT-Thiruvananthapuram, Pune-Sanganer and CSMT-Nagpur will run multiple trips to meet the holiday rush.

Travel Tips For The Festive Season

If you're planning to travel during Christmas and New Year, here are a few quick tips to make your journey hassle-free:

• Book Early: Seats on popular routes fill up fast, so confirm your tickets as soon as possible through IRCTC or authorised counters.
• Check Train Updates: Indian Railways often announces additional trips or changes in schedules - keep an eye on official notifications.
• Arrive Early At Stations: Festive crowds can cause delays at entry points and security checks, so reach at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
• Pack Smart: Carry essentials like snacks, water and chargers, as festive rush may lead to limited availability on board.
• Use Digital Services: Opt for e-tickets and mobile updates to avoid queues and stay informed about your train status.

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With these extra services, Indian Railways is boosting capacity and comfort, helping passengers travel hassle-free this festive season.