As Christmas lights flicker on and New Year plans begin to take shape, Indian Railways has quietly set a vast festive operation in motion. Anticipating a sharp surge in year-end travel, the national transporter has announced 244 special train trips to ease congestion and ensure smoother journeys during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. More services, officials have indicated, will be added as demand evolves.
For millions of Indians, the holiday season means heading home, chasing winter sun, or escaping to beaches, hills, and cultural hubs. Trains remain the backbone of these journeys, and this year, Indian Railways is expanding capacity across eight railway zones to keep the festive rush moving with less stress and fewer queues.