India, Oct. 26 -- The Pune railway division of Central Railway has launched an extensive operation to handle the massive surge of passengers travelling home for festivals, including Chhath Puja, said Rajesh Kumar Verma, divisional railway manager (DRM).

According to officials, of the 12,011 special trains announced across the country for the festive season, 1,052 trips have been scheduled from the Pune division connecting destinations in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh.

"So far, 442 trips have already been completed, carrying over 6.69 lakh passengers, and the remaining 610 trips are expected to transport another 8.54 lakh travellers," Verma said, adding 34 special trains will run between October 23 and 26.

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