RAIPUR,CG,BHARAT: Indian Railways is running 7,724 special trains during festive season, a significant increase from the 4,500 trains operated last year, to accommodate the high passenger volume during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja.

To ensure smooth movement, Railways has enhanced facilities at stations, including controlled entry lines, additional staff, and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel for crowd management.

Among these special services, several Puja-specific trains are being operated from the South East Central Railway (SECR) zone. Notable trains include Sanatnagar-Raipur-Sanatnagar Diwali and Chhath Puja Special. The service will operate for two trips between Sanatnagar and Raipur. Train number 07023 will depart from Sanatnagar on November 7 and 14, 2024, while return train number 07024 will run from Raipur on November 8 and 15, 2024. This train will have 24 coaches, including SLR/SLRD, general, sleeper, and AC classes.

Durg-Amritsar-Durg Festival Special, Train number 08795/08796 will operate two trips from Durg to Amritsar, departing Durg on November 7 and 10, and from Amritsar on November 9 and 12. Key stops include Raipur, Usalapur, Pendraroad, Anuppur, and Shahdol within the SECR zone, along with important stations like Agra Cantt, Delhi Safdarganj, and Ambala Cantt. Departure from Durg is scheduled at 11:10 a.m., reaching Amritsar the next day at 12:05 a.m. The return journey starts from Amritsar at 1:50 a.m., reaching Durg by the second day.

Bilaspur-Hadapsar (Pune)-Bilaspur Festival Special, train (number 08295/08296) will operate a single trip, departing Bilaspur on November 8, 2024, and returning from Hadapsar on November 9.

These arrangements, announced by Indian Railways, aim to enhance passenger convenience and ensure a smooth journey during the busy festive season.