As festive season is knocking the doors, the Ministry Of Railways, on Tuesday approved zonal railways’ proposal of running 196 pairs [392 trains] festive special trains. The trains will be operated between 20th October to 30th November.
The fare applicable for these services will be that of the earlier special trains allowed to run by the ministry, said railway ministry. The timings of the trains will be as per regular trains. The schedule will be notifies to public in advance.
The ministry said in a statement that the decision was taken as Indian Railways is expecting a rush of passengers during the upcoming festive season. These special trains will run for destinations such as Kolkata, Patna, Varanasi and Lucknow among others, to cater to the demand during 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.
In an order issued on Tuesday, the Railway Board said these festival special trains will be operated at a speed of 55 kmph.
Ticket booking facility will be available both online [ via IRCTC website] and offline PRS ticket counters.
