Special Trains
The Indian Railways on 13 October 2020 announced that it will operate 392 festival special trains between October 20 and November 30, 2020 in view Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali and Chhath Puja. The decision was taken as the national carrier is anticipating a passenger rush during the upcoming festive season, the Railway Ministry said in a statement.
The special trains will be run for destinations such as Kolkata, Patna, Varanasi, Lucknow among others to cater to the growing demand in the ensuing holiday period of Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali and Chhatt puja, it said. Till now, the railways has pressed into service more than 300 mail/express trains which are now running regularly across the country.
These new festival special trains, however, will operate only till November 30 and will not have a continued run, officials said. These festival special trains will be mostly equipped with third AC coaches.
In an order issued on Tuesday, the Railway Board said these festival special trains will be operated at a speed of 55 kmph and the fares applicable will be those of special trains.
The Railways suspended all its regular services due to the coronavirus pandemic and is operating trains as per demand and necessity.
Railways seems to be adopting a favouring attitude towards northern and eastern railway’s trains and not considering south and western region.The no. of running trains all itme as well as in peak season tells the whole story.This practice is not at all healthy in long term development of Indian railways.