In a major move to accommodate the massive festive rush, Indian Railways has unveiled a comprehensive plan to operate a vast network of special trains for the upcoming Christmas and New Year period of 2025-26. The initiative, confirmed by the Ministry of Railways in an official press release dated 18 December 2025, aims to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel for millions of passengers.
Massive Scale of Operations: 244 Trips Across Eight Zones
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) statement outlined that a total of 244 special train trips have been officially notified. These additional services are strategically planned across eight major railway zones to bolster capacity and expand connectivity, particularly on high-demand routes. The special trains will run alongside the regular schedule of passenger and express trains, providing more seating and sleeper options to alleviate congestion at stations and help passengers reach their destinations comfortably.
Zone-Wise Breakdown of Special Train Services
The deployment of these festive specials is spread nationwide to cover key travel corridors. Leading the effort is the Central Railway (CR) zone with 76 notified trips, connecting major hubs like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. Close behind is the Western Railway (WR) with 72 trips, focusing on heavy-traffic routes and popular beach destinations along the Konkan coast.
The detailed zone-wise plan is as follows:
- South Central Railway (SCR): 26 special trains
- South East Central Railway (SECR): 24 special trips
- Northern Railway (NR): 8 special services
- North Western Railway (NWR): 6 special trips
- North Frontier Railway (NFR): 4 special journeys
Popular Routes and Booking Advice for Passengers
These special services will operate on both daily and weekly schedules, covering some of the most sought-after routes in the country. Passengers can expect enhanced connectivity on paths such as Mumbai CSMT/Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Karmali/Madgaon on the scenic Konkan Railway, Pune to Sanganer, and other long-distance corridors linking metros like Delhi and Howrah with various key cities.
The railway authorities have also indicated that more special train trips are in the pipeline and will be announced soon. With the anticipated surge in travel, passengers are strongly advised to plan their journeys in advance. Tickets for these special trains can be booked through official channels, primarily the IRCTC online portal and railway reservation counters. Early booking is recommended to secure seats and ensure a stress-free festive reunion with loved ones.
This large-scale operational plan underscores Indian Railways' commitment to managing peak-season travel efficiently. By significantly augmenting its services, the national transporter is poised to enable millions of Indians to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year 2026 with joy, minus the usual travel anxieties.
