Indian Railways Announces 244 Special Train Trips for Christmas and New Year Rush; Major Boost for Pune and Mumbai Commuters

To tackle the massive surge in passenger traffic during the 2025–26 festive season, Indian Railways has launched an extensive operation of special trains across eight railway zones. As of today, 244 special trips have been notified, with authorities confirming that more schedules will be released in the coming days to ensure a smooth travel experience for holidaymakers.

With Christmas and New Year’s Eve approaching, the demand for travel toward holiday hotspots and hometowns has skyrocketed. For residents of Pune and Mumbai, the news comes as a significant relief, as Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) are leading the effort with 76 and 72 notified trips, respectively.

Focus on Konkan and Maharashtra Routes

The Mumbai–Goa (Konkan) corridor is receiving special attention to accommodate tourists heading to the beaches for year-end celebrations. Daily and weekly specials are currently operational between Mumbai CSMT/LTT and Karmali/Madgaon.

Closer to home, dedicated services on the Pune–Sanganer and Mumbai–Nagpur routes have been prioritized. These additional trains aim to reduce the heavy waitlists on regular long-distance expresses and provide a stress-free alternative for those traveling within Maharashtra.

Nationwide Connectivity

Beyond the local routes, the Railways has deployed a strategic plan to link major hubs across the country:

• Southern & Central India: Additional services are connecting Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mangaluru to cater to the heavy festive demand in the south.
• Northern & Eastern Corridors: Special trains are bridging the gap between Delhi, Howrah, and Lucknow, ensuring long-distance travelers can reach their destinations without the usual seasonal hurdles.

Zone-Wise Breakdown of Notified Trips

Railway officials have advised passengers to check the official IRCTC website or the NTES app for real-time updates and booking availability, as more trips are expected to be added to the schedule shortly.