New Delhi, Nov 2026 : Railway stations across the country are witnessing a significant surge in passenger footfall as thousands of people working and living away from their hometowns begin travelling home to celebrate Diwali and Chhath Puja with their families. The festive rush has increased activity at railway platforms, waiting halls and station entrances, with passengers making their way to trains bound for Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other destinations.
The growing rush reflects the importance of these festivals, particularly among people from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh who have migrated to metropolitan cities in search of employment, education and business opportunities. For many, returning home during the festive season is an annual tradition and an opportunity to reconnect with their families and participate in religious and cultural celebrations.
The rush is particularly noticeable among passengers travelling from major metropolitan and industrial centres, including Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. These cities have substantial populations of migrant workers and professionals from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, many of whom prefer to spend Diwali and Chhath Puja in their native villages and towns.
Heavy passenger rush on trains to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
With the festive season approaching, demand for long-distance train services has increased considerably compared with normal days. Railway stations are witnessing large numbers of passengers carrying luggage, travelling with children and elderly family members, and waiting for their respective trains.
For many passengers, the journey home is not merely about reaching a destination but also about participating in important family traditions. Chhath Puja, in particular, holds immense religious and cultural significance in Bihar and among communities from eastern Uttar Pradesh.
The festival attracts people from different parts of the country who make special arrangements to return to their hometowns. Consequently, trains connecting major cities with destinations across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh experience substantial demand during this period.
Many passengers begin planning their journeys several months in advance to secure confirmed railway tickets. However, those who are unable to book tickets early often face difficulties arranging travel closer to the festival dates.
The demand for railway tickets during Diwali and Chhath Puja also highlights the importance of rail connectivity for millions of migrant workers, students and business professionals who regularly travel between their places of work and their native states.
Railway stations face passenger management challenges
The increase in passenger numbers during the festive season presents significant challenges for railway authorities in managing crowds and ensuring smooth movement across stations.
Platforms, waiting areas and entry and exit points can become congested, particularly during the arrival and departure of popular long-distance trains. Heavy passenger movement can also make boarding difficult, especially for families travelling with elderly people and young children.
Crowd management and passenger safety therefore become crucial during the festive rush. Passengers are advised to use designated entry and exit points and follow instructions issued by railway personnel.
They should also avoid unnecessary rushing or pushing when trains arrive at platforms. Maintaining orderly queues and allowing passengers to alight before boarding can help prevent congestion and reduce the possibility of accidents.
For families travelling with children and senior citizens, reaching the station well ahead of departure time is particularly important. Passengers should also remain attentive to platform announcements and changes in train schedules.
Chhath Puja holds special significance for migrant families
Among the festivals celebrated during this period, Chhath Puja occupies a special place in the cultural and religious life of Bihar.
The four-day festival involves traditional rituals, including Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya. Devotees worship the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, observing rigorous rituals and fasting as part of the celebrations.
The festival is marked by extensive preparations involving the entire family. From arranging traditional offerings and preparing prasad to cleaning homes and decorating riverbanks and water bodies, family members participate collectively in the celebrations.
The evening and morning offerings to the setting and rising Sun are among the most significant rituals of Chhath Puja. Devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds and other water bodies to offer prayers and seek blessings for the well-being and prosperity of their families.
For many people originally from Bihar, being present at home during Chhath Puja is considered particularly important. This emotional and religious connection encourages thousands of people to undertake long journeys, sometimes travelling for several days, to reach their native places in time for the festival.
The strong attachment to Chhath traditions is one of the major reasons behind the annual surge in railway passenger traffic between metropolitan cities and Bihar.
Migrant population drives seasonal travel demand
The festive rush also reflects the country's large-scale internal migration driven by employment, education and business opportunities.
Millions of people from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other states live and work in metropolitan centres and industrial hubs far away from their native places. While their professional and economic activities keep them away from their families for much of the year, major festivals provide an opportunity to return home.
Diwali and Chhath Puja are particularly important in this regard, as families traditionally come together to celebrate the occasions.
For migrant workers, the journey home often involves considerable planning, financial expenditure and logistical challenges. Despite these difficulties, many prioritise travelling during the festive season to spend time with their loved ones.
The growing crowds at railway stations are therefore not merely an indication of increased passenger traffic but also reflect the social and cultural significance of festive homecoming in India.
Passengers advised to take safety precautions
Amid the heavy festive rush, passengers are advised to take precautions to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Travellers should keep their railway tickets, identity documents, mobile phones and other valuables secure, particularly in crowded areas. Families travelling with children should ensure that they remain together and do not move around crowded platforms unattended.
Passengers carrying luggage should avoid blocking walkways and entrances, allowing other travellers to move freely. Elderly passengers and those requiring assistance should seek help from railway personnel whenever necessary.
In case of an emergency or any difficulty during the journey, passengers can approach railway officials or use the official railway assistance services.
Despite the challenges associated with crowded stations and long-distance travel, the festive atmosphere remains evident. Families are looking forward to reuniting with their loved ones, participating in traditional rituals and celebrating the festivals together.
The annual Diwali and Chhath Puja rush once again highlights the emotional bond between migrant communities and their native places, with millions undertaking journeys across the country to ensure they are home in time for the celebrations.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
