Ticket rush ahead of festive season: Railways adds special trains linking Delhi, Katra and Varanasi

Festival Relief

Northern Railway is adding three pairs of special trains ahead of Dussehra, Diwali and Chhath Puja, targeting the seasonal surge in passengers. The move is aimed at easing waiting lists and giving travellers more chances to secure confirmed tickets during the busiest travel period. (Representative pic)

Katra Connect

The new services will strengthen links between major religious and urban centres, with special trains connecting Katra, Jammu Tawi, Varanasi and New Delhi. For passengers planning festival travel, the expanded network could mean more direct options and less dependence on already crowded regular trains. (Representative pic)

Nine Trips

The Katra-Varanasi and Jammu Tawi-Varanasi specials will each make nine trips in both directions. The Katra service begins on October 4, while the Jammu Tawi service starts on October 1, creating additional travel options through October and November. (Representative pic)

Delhi Rush

A separate New Delhi-Katra festival special will run four trips in each direction specifically around the Dussehra rush. Trains will operate between October 8 and 12, giving Delhi, Haryana and Punjab passengers another direct option to reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. (Representative pic)

Route Boost

The festival specials will pass through several major stations, including Jammu Tawi, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Ambala, Saharanpur and Moradabad. Railway officials say the additional services are intended to reduce pressure on regular trains while improving passenger movement during the festive season. (Representative pic)