Kamal Ghorui
Planning a trip this summer but worried about the rush to secure train tickets? You might want to relax as Indian Railways is preparing for the seasonal rush. If you’re travelling between April and July, chances are you’ll find a seat. Anticipating a sharp rise in passenger demand, Indian railways has announced a wide network of special train services aimed at making journeys across the country smoother and more convenient.For the period between 15 April 2026 and 15 July 2026, a total of 908 summer special trains have been approved, which together will operate 18,262 trips. The move is designed to meet heightened travel demand during peak months marked by holidays, festivals and seasonal movement.Of the total approved services, 660 trains have already been notified, accounting for 11,294 trips. This ensures that a significant portion of the additional services is already open for booking, allowing passengers to plan their journeys in advance.The rail network’s preparation spans all major zones, reflecting a coordinated effort to handle increased passenger volumes while maintaining regional balance in connectivity.
Zone wise trains
- South Central Railway has approved 124 trains (1,184 trips), with 76 trains (324 trips) already notified.
- Western Railway follows with 106 approved trains (2,078 trips), of which 92 trains (1,667 trips) have been notified.
- North Western Railway has cleared 76 trains (2,245 trips), including 62 notified services (1,878 trips).
- Northern Railway has approved 76 trains (2,090 trips), with 56 trains (1,535 trips) notified.
- Central Railway has sanctioned 74 trains (3,082 trips), with 70 trains (2,238 trips) already notified.
- Southern Railway has approved 72 trains (558 trips), of which 38 trains (133 trips) are notified.
- East Central Railway has cleared 64 trains (2,711 trips), including 38 notified trains (1,060 trips).
- North Central Railway has approved 54 trains (1,163 trips), with 46 trains (688 trips) notified.
- North Eastern Railway has sanctioned 52 trains (814 trips), with 34 trains (477 trips) notified.
- East Coast Railway has approved 28 trains (410 trips), including 18 notified trains (88 trips).
- West Central Railway has also approved 28 trains (408 trips), with 18 trains (192 trips) notified.
- Eastern Railway has cleared 24 trains (392 trips), of which 10 trains (276 trips) have been notified.
- North Frontier Railway has approved 24 trains (220 trips), including 20 notified trains (141 trips).
- South Eastern Railway has sanctioned 20 trains (276 trips), with 18 trains (250 trips) notified.
- South East Central Railway has approved 10 trains (122 trips), including 8 notified services (70 trips).
- South Western Railway has approved 76 trains (509 trips), with 56 trains (277 trips) already notified.
The large-scale deployment of these special services is expected to ease pressure on waiting lists, offer more confirmed berths, and improve connectivity between key destinations. It is also aimed at making journeys smoother and more comfortable during the high-demand summer period.With this, the railways has taken another step towards advanced planning and a wide network of additional services, minimising inconvenience for passengers.
