Festive Railway Rush: Special Trains Under Scrutiny

The Indian Railway Ministry has revealed its plan to operate 12,011 train trips from October 1 to November 30, 2025, to accommodate the festive travel surge. This averages 196 additional trains daily across various routes, with the single-day maximum reaching 280 trains on October 18.

Amidst this extensive plan, some officials and activists argue that the figures include existing trains rebranded as 'specials' to pad statistics. For instance, a long-standing service between Jaipur and Udaipur was reportedly labeled 'Puja special.' Critics claim this distorts actual efforts and passenger benefits.

Despite these claims, the Railway Ministry stands firm, emphasizing unprecedented efforts to maximize available resources. Officials defended the large-scale operation as a logistical triumph achieved by countless railway employees, aiding millions of travelers.