Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 21: In preparation for the massive festive rush during Diwali and Chhath, Indian Railways will operate more than 12,000 special trains to ensure smooth travel for passengers, the government announced on Thursday.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also introduced a 20% discount on return tickets for journeys scheduled between October 13–26 (onward travel) and November 17–December 1 (return travel), offering relief to festival travellers.

Several new services will be rolled out, including four Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Gaya–Delhi, Saharsa–Amritsar, Chhapra–Delhi, and Muzaffarpur–Hyderabad. Additionally, a new circuit train focusing on Buddhist pilgrimage sites will soon be launched, covering Vaishali, Hajipur, Sonepur, Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, and Koderma — specifically designed for middle-class families.

Rail infrastructure in Bihar is also set for major upgrades. The Buxar–Lakhisarai section will be converted into a four-line corridor to support increased rail traffic. A ring railway system will be developed around Patna, and new links will connect Sultanganj to Deoghar and Patna to Ayodhya.

Supporting facilities like a washing pit at Laukaha Bazar and construction of multiple road overbridges have also been greenlit as part of the broader expansion plan.

The Railways' preparations aim to ease the travel burden during Chhath Puja — a deeply revered festival celebrated widely across Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal’s Mithila region — known for its spiritually significant rituals dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.