Bhubaneswar, September 18: To meet the rising passenger demand during the Durga Puja and festive season, Indian Railways is rolling out special trains across Odisha. With regular trains already at full capacity and long waitlists growing, the East Central Railway will run a weekly Patna-Puri Puja Special (03230/03229) from August 28 to December 25, 2025.

The train will halt at key Odisha stations, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, and Bhubaneswar, and offer various class options, including AC, Sleeper, and seating coaches. With travel demand surging, particularly on busy routes like Howrah, Bengaluru, and New Delhi, more special services may be added in October.

Factors such as rising airfares, recent air mishaps, and the introduction of Vande Bharat Express are pushing more passengers towards train travel. The festive period, coupled with school holidays, has further amplified travel plans, especially for migrant and IT workers returning home.

Indian Railways is preparing to add more trains and adjust schedules to handle the expected surge in passenger traffic.