DIWALI TRAIN TIMINGS
Diwali 2026: From Ayodhya’s sea of diyas to Goa’s fiery Narkasurs, India celebrates the festival in splendour
India celebrates Diwali on November 8 with spectacular displays of devotion and tradition, from lakhs of diyas illuminating Ayodhya’s Saryu ghats to giant Narkasur effigies burning in Goa. As families prepare for Lakshmi Puja, security is tightened, special trains ferry festive travellers and temples across Uttar Pradesh host elaborate celebrations.
High fares, longer journeys, delays make special trains less attractive to passengers: Officials
Railway Ministry claims to operate special trains during the festive rush, yet regular train demand exceeds their capacity. Special trains often have higher fares and longer travel durations compared to regular trains, which leads to disappointment among travelers. Many passengers are willing to book waiting-list tickets for regular trains due to their reliability and punctuality. Railway officials suggest lowering special train fares to attract more passengers amidst ongoing challenges.
1,000 extra trains between Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai to ease waiting lists, Railway ministry plans four parallel tracks on 7 major corridors
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Indian Railways plans to expand seven major corridors to four parallel tracks, enabling more than 1,000 additional regular trains after completion. The routes include connections between Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The Railways has also deployed 18,000 special trains and 700 AI cameras for the festive rush.
Diwali 2026: Delhi Metro to commence services at 6 am on select routes; check new timings here
Delhi Metro has announced earlier train services on select lines for Diwali festivities. Trains on the Pink Line, Magenta Line, and Grey Line will begin operations at 6 am. Regular services will continue according to the Sunday timetable after the early start. Last trains from all terminal stations will depart at 10 pm on Sunday. This revised schedule aims to accommodate commuters during the festive occasion.
Delhi Metro revises Diwali schedule; select lines to start at 6 am, last train at 10 pm
Delhi Metro services will begin an hour earlier than usual on Diwali, November 8. The Pink, Magenta, and Grey lines will start operations at 6 am from terminal stations. Additionally, the last trains on all lines will depart at 10 pm instead of the regular 11 pm schedule. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly for the festive day.
Railway platform ticket sales suspended at six stations across Delhi and Ghaziabad; check the full list
Railway news: Northern Railway is implementing crowd-management measures at major railway stations in Delhi-NCR during the festive season. Platform ticket sales have been suspended at six key railway stations until November 14 to manage crowds. Special trains are being operated to accommodate the anticipated travel rush for Diwali and Chhath festivals. Enhanced passenger facilities, including holding areas, aim to improve the travel experience during this busy period.
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"Very important and excellent decision": Defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava hails Agnipath's tenure extension
Defence Expert Sanjeev Srivastava on Wednesday hailed the Centre's decision to grant a two-year extension to 75 per cent of Agniveers as a "very important and excellent decision" that will give them a fresh opportunity to serve and a chance for permanent enrolment.
Gold and cash worth over Rs 8 lakh stolen from locked First AC coupe on Deoria-bound train; family alleges no police help, Gonda cops demonstrate how cabin door opens from outside
A couple travelling with their one-year-old child has alleged that gold jewellery worth Rs 7-8 lakh and cash were stolen from their locked First AC coupe at Lucknow's Charbagh station. They claimed that repeated calls to railway helplines and three alarm chain pulls brought no immediate police response. A Zero FIR has been filed in Deoria.
Diwali, Chhath Puja special trains: Railways announces 3 unreserved trains from Kolkata to Bihar and UP; check timings and dates
Eastern Railway has announced three unreserved special trains connecting Sealdah and Kolkata with Jaynagar, Ballia and Gorakhpur to manage the festive passenger rush ahead of Chhath. Each train will have 20 coaches, including 18 general second-class coaches. Here are their timings, departure dates, return schedules and important stoppages.
Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to cut travel time on Mumbai-Bengaluru, Delhi-Varanasi routes: Check launch dates, timings, stops, schedule and more
Vande Bharat Sleeper trains news: Indian Railways plans to expand its overnight services by introducing two new Vande Bharat sleeper trains. The Delhi-Varanasi and Mumbai-Bengaluru routes are set for launch around October 31 and November 1, respectively. These services aim to significantly reduce travel times on both routes, providing more efficient overnight travel. The proposed schedules are tentative and awaiting official confirmation from Indian Railways.
Railways to launch door-to-door parcel services
Indian Railways plans to introduce a door-to-door parcel service using the Rail Parcel App in eight cities. Customers in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and other cities can book pickups and deliveries. Logistics partners will manage first-mile and last-mile services, while the railways will transport parcels. Bookings can be made online, easing the logistics burden for customers. Refunds for cancellations will also be available under specific conditions.
Karwa Chauth gift ideas for wife: Want to make her feel special? Check 12 thoughtful presents that go beyond flowers and chocolates
Karwa Chauth Gift Ideas: Looking for the perfect Karwa Chauth gift for your wife? From personalised jewellery and skincare hampers to romantic dinners, thoughtful keepsakes and weekend getaways, there are plenty of ways to make the occasion special. Whether you prefer a meaningful handmade present or a practical gift she can use every day, these unique Karwa Chauth gift ideas can help you choose something she will cherish.
Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper likely to launch on October 31, offering faster overnight travel between the two cities; check operating days, timings, stops and other details
Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper news: The new Sleeper Vande Bharat Express is expected to begin overnight services between Varanasi and New Delhi from October 31. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw are likely to flag off the train. The service is expected to operate six days a week, except Saturdays. Fares are expected to range from Rs 2.40 to Rs 3.80 per kilometre, depending on the travel class.
Diwali travel rush: How to save on last-minute flight tickets and when to stop waiting for discounts
Waiting until the last minute in the hope of a sale can be costly. Airlines use dynamic pricing, and cheaper fares may disappear as more seats sell. If your dates are fixed, compare fares as early as possible and book when the price is reasonable for your budget. Set fare alerts to track changes, but don’t delay your booking expecting for a drop in prices.
Diwali clean-up opens up a growing market for home organisers
As Diwali approaches, urban Indian households are hiring professional organizers to help them declutter and organize. Companies like Joy Factory and Messmerize report significant growth in festive bookings compared to last year. The demand for such services not only peaks during festivals but is also becoming a year-round requirement. Organizers focus on sorting belongings and creating organized spaces rather than deep cleaning homes.
Ashwini Vaishnaw and MP CM inaugurate two rail sections spanning 118 km, connecting Sidhi district to the railway network for the first time since Independence, through 53-km Satna–Devendranagar and 65-km Rewa–Churhat lines
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated two new rail sections on Saturday. These new connections between Satna-Devendranagar and Rewa-Churhat will improve regional transportation. A new passenger train service was also launched to facilitate travel in the Vindhya region. Ongoing railway projects with significant investment aim to enhance infrastructure and connectivity statewide. The developments are expected to boost local economies and transportation efficiency.
Indian Railways reservation counters across Delhi-NCR to remain closed or partially open on November 8
Indian Railways will partially or fully close several PRS counters across Delhi-NCR on November 8 for Diwali 2026. Some offices will provide limited evening services, others will shut from 2 pm to 8 pm, while six locations will remain closed for the entire day. Passengers should check their reservation office timings before travelling to book train tickets.
Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper to begin operations on November 1
India will launch its second Vande Bharat sleeper train service between Mumbai and Bengaluru on November 1. This service aims to reduce travel time by nearly eight hours, covering the 1,118-km distance in about 16 hours. The train will feature 16 air-conditioned coaches, offering 823 berths for passengers' comfort. Fares for the sleeper service will be determined based on a per-kilometer structure, which is competitive with global rates.
Sweet sellers face heat over shelf life rules ahead of Diwali
Watchdog agencies in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are among those that have made this mandatory. The directive aims to help consumers assess freshness as inspections have revealed that buyers were not always given clear information about when sweets were made or how long they remained suitable for consumption, the agencies said.
Indian Railways offers discounted round-trip parcel fare ahead of festive rush
Indian Railways has introduced a one-year pilot offering parcel aggregators discounted round-trip bookings at 1.5 times the one-way fare, reducing the combined freight charge by 25%. The scheme aims to improve return-direction train utilisation, shift cargo from road to rail and boost parcel revenue ahead of the festive season.
Vande Bharat special to operate between Delhi and Patna for Diwali, Chhath: Check dates, timings, stoppages and more
Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat: The Indian Railways will operate a tri-weekly Vande Bharat Express festival special from New Delhi to Patna Junction. Services begin on October 21 and run until November 26, coinciding with Diwali and Chhath Puja. The special train features 16 chair-car coaches and will stop at six stations along the route. Two additional trips are scheduled prior to the service commencement on October 16 and 18.
UPI MDR rollout pushed; India’s first quantum computer coming soon
Happy Wednesday! The implementation of MDR on select UPI payments has been deferred beyond Diwali. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Your railway station may soon be better prepared for festival crowds: RPF to track high-footfall events from 2022 & plan manpower before passenger surges
RPF has introduced a digital repository, the E-Forecasting Register (EFRR), to anticipate and manage high-footfall events at railway stations. The system will track festivals, religious gatherings, examinations, rallies and other events, enabling timely manpower deployment, passenger movement regulation and coordination with state police. Officials have been directed to make advance entries for better crowd management.
Diwali travel could see new addition: Sleeper Vande Bharat Express may launch on Delhi-Varanasi route with Prayagraj & Kanpur stops; here’s what travellers need to know
Delhi-Varanasi Sleeper Vande Bharat Express: Indian Railways is planning a second Sleeper Vande Bharat Express service. This new overnight train will connect New Delhi and Varanasi via Prayagraj and Kanpur. The service is expected to be introduced around the Diwali festival. The proposed train will operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph. The service aims to enhance travel convenience and significantly reduce journey times.
India’s metro network is only 216 km short of US: From a single Kolkata line in 1984 to 1,170 km across 26 cities, next big expansion is already underway
Metro expansion news: India’s metro network has expanded significantly since 1984. The operational network now spans more than 1,155 km across 26 cities. This rapid growth includes new corridors in Tier-II cities and regional transit systems. Hundreds of kilometres of metro lines are currently under construction across the country. Future growth will depend on better integration, affordability and financial sustainability as Indian cities continue to expand.
India’s chip push draws global interest; Quick comm's ad blitz
India’s semiconductor push is gaining global attention as the country looks to build a stronger chip manufacturing ecosystem. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
India's festive season promises strong show as quick commerce reshapes online shopping battle
India’s festive e-commerce season is expected to deliver healthy spending growth, with premium purchases coexisting with aggressive bargain-hunting. Quick commerce is expanding beyond groceries, non-metro India is driving online demand, and AI is increasingly shaping how consumers discover and buy products.
Diwali train tickets 2026 booking starts: Want a confirmed berth? Check how to book tickets in advance & whether your busy route has special trains
Diwali train tickets 2026 booking starts: Diwali 2026 train ticket bookings commenced on September 6 for the festival, which will be celebrated on November 8. Passengers can book their tickets early through the advance reservation system to improve their chances of securing confirmed berths. Northern Railway has also announced several special trains for the festive season to meet the expected surge in passenger demand. These services will connect major cities and towns across several states. Travellers are advised to check train availability and book their tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute rush.
Delhi Metro changes timing for last train on Thursday for Diwali; Here are details
Delhi Metro will run its last train at 10 pm on Diwali night instead of the usual 11 pm. Fire services in the city are on high alert with 3,200 firefighters on duty. Leaves and day-offs of staff are cancelled, and additional equipment is stationed at key locations to ensure safety during the celebrations.
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