Eastern Railway has decided to launch extra local trains to deal with the anticipated increase in passenger traffic in connection with Durga Puja 2026. This is an effort on the part of the rail authorities to facilitate the travelling public and pandal visitors during the major festival in West Bengal.
As per reports, 67 extra local trains will run on the routes of the Sealdah and Howrah Divisions. It is believed that this step will be helpful in facilitating the travel of passengers between various suburban places as well as attending Durga Puja and then returning home.
Additional late-night local train services have been planned by the Sealdah Division to allow travellers to use them after visiting Durga Puja pandals. Additionally, extra EMU special trains will be run by the Howrah Division on selected routes to facilitate the travellers.
It is hoped that the new services will help commuter train passengers making trips through the congested suburban railway network, including those travelling to Sealdah and destinations like Ranaghat, Baruipur, Diamond Harbour, Kalyani, and Barddhaman. The above connections are essential for travellers going to the suburbs of Kolkata in connection with the Durga Puja Festival.
Durga Puja sees huge numbers of people converging on makeshift pandals, colourful decorations and community events spread all over Kolkata and adjoining regions. Festive activities lead to greater numbers of passengers utilizing public transport, especially at night.
In order to deal with the traffic rush, there are also some changes being made by the railways in relation to the suburban train service. Some selected trains may run as per the Sunday schedule on some selected days, and some services may even be cancelled. In any case, it is recommended that travellers check the revised timings of trains before leaving.
These additional services form part of the overall efforts made by the Eastern Railway in view of the festive season. It is recommended that travellers verify the details of the train service before making their trips.
Since the Durga Puja celebrations will see many residents and tourists participating, the services will help make the suburbs more accessible for their convenience in taking part in the festivities.
