Railways carries over 1.5 crore festive-season passengers; holding areas at 30 stations for Chhath
Indian Railways said on 25 October 2025 that over 1.5 crore passengers had travelled on festival-season trains, with holding areas set up at 30 stations in Bihar and nearby Uttar Pradesh.
Summary
On 25 October 2025, as the four-day Chhath festival began with the Nahay-Khay ritual, Indian Railways said more than 1.5 crore passengers had travelled on festival-season trains and expected over 2.5 crore by the end of the season. Large holding areas were set up at 30 major stations in Bihar and nearby Uttar Pradesh, including Patna and Danapur, with CCTV monitoring and medical teams on standby. A special Vande Bharat Express ran between New Delhi and Patna for Chhath and played traditional Chhath songs on board. Railways said 156 Vande Bharat services were in operation and that track construction had risen from 400–600 km a year a decade ago to over 4,000 km a year.
Key facts
- Passengers so far
- Over 1.5 crore; over 2.5 crore expected
- Holding areas
- 30 stations in Bihar and adjoining UP
- Chhath special
- Vande Bharat between New Delhi and Patna
- Vande Bharat services
- 156 in operation
- Track construction
- Over 4,000 km per year (vs 400–600 km a decade ago)
Practice MCQs 1 questions
According to Indian Railways (25 October 2025), how many Vande Bharat Express services were in operation across India?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 156
PIB (Railways): 156 Vande Bharat Express services are currently in operation; a special Vande Bharat between New Delhi and Patna ran for Chhath in addition to regular services.