Indian Railways Launches Puja Special Trains for Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja 2025

The festive season in India is synonymous with heavy travel as millions of people return to their hometowns to celebrate Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja with their families. Regular trains often see long waiting lists during this period, making travel a challenge. To ease this rush, Indian Railways has announced special train services from Gomti Nagar (Lucknow) to Mahbubnagar and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai). These Puja special trains will provide much-needed relief to passengers, ensuring smoother and more affordable travel during the festive season.

Special Train for Gomti Nagar – Mahbubnagar Route

One of the key additions this year is the Gomti Nagar–Mahbubnagar Puja Special. Train number 05314/05313 will operate between September 28 and November 3. From Gomti Nagar, the train will run every Sunday at 12:15 AM and reach Mahbubnagar at 7:10 PM the following day. On its return journey, it will depart Mahbubnagar every Monday at 10:10 PM, arriving in Gomti Nagar by 3:00 PM the next day.

Coach Composition for Mahbubnagar Special

To cater to the varying needs of passengers, this train will have a mix of coaches. The composition includes seven Sleeper Class coaches, four General coaches, one AC 2-Tier coach, and eight AC 3-Tier Economy coaches. This arrangement ensures affordable options for budget travelers, while also providing comfort for those opting for AC classes.

Special Train for Gomti Nagar – Mumbai Route

In addition to the Mahbubnagar special, the Railways has introduced the Gomti Nagar–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai) Puja Special. Train number 05325/05326 will run between September 27 and November 2. From Gomti Nagar, it will operate every Saturday at 12:15 AM, reaching LTT at 5:50 AM the next day. On the return journey, the train will leave LTT every Sunday at 7:55 AM and reach Gomti Nagar at 10:45 AM the following day.

Coach Composition for Mumbai Special

The Mumbai special train will carry a large number of passengers with a diverse coach setup. It includes six General coaches, three AC 3-Tier coaches, one AC 2-Tier coach, and eight Sleeper coaches. This wide range ensures accommodation for all categories of travelers during the festive season.

Why Festive Special Trains Are Important

Every year, during the months of Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, ticket demand rises sharply. Trains are often sold out weeks in advance, leaving passengers with no option but to pay high prices for last-minute tickets or rely on road transport. By introducing these Puja specials, Indian Railways ensures passengers have greater access to seats at reasonable fares, reducing both inconvenience and exploitation.

Advance Booking and Ticketing Details

Indian Railways has already opened bookings for these trains. Passengers can book tickets through the IRCTC online portal or directly at ticket counters. With the festive rush, tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so early booking is strongly recommended. Additionally, the Railways has indicated that if demand rises further, extra coaches or additional trains may be introduced.

Travel Tips for Passengers

Passengers are advised to carefully check the schedule of these trains before planning their journeys. Since festive travel is often subject to sudden changes in demand, staying updated with official announcements from Indian Railways can help travelers avoid last-minute surprises. Carrying valid ID proofs and arriving early at the station is also recommended due to heavy passenger flow during festivals.

Boost to Connectivity and Festive Spirit

These special trains not only make travel easier but also enhance connectivity between states during India’s most celebrated festivals. By linking Gomti Nagar with Mumbai and Mahbubnagar, the Railways has made it possible for thousands of people to reunite with their families and celebrate traditions together, without the stress of overcrowded waiting lists.