To manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Raksha Bandhan festival, the North Western Railway (NWR) has announced a comprehensive plan to boost connectivity and seating capacity. By deploying extra coaches and operating additional special train trips throughout August, the railway aims to ensure a smoother travel experience for thousands of passengers returning home for the celebrations.
Key highlights of the NWR festive arrangements:
- 148 additional temporary coaches added across 55 pairs of trains.
- 192 special train trips notified to handle high-demand routes.
- Focus on key cities including Prayagraj, Mumbai, Bhiwani, Sikar, and Sabarmati.
- Operational adjustments to major services to reduce passenger congestion.
Strategic Route Enhancements
According to NWR Chief Public Relations Officer Amit Sudarshan, the railway is prioritizing high-demand corridors to mitigate overcrowding. The deployment includes 82 trips for the Madar-Narnaul special train, 34 trips for the Prayagraj-Sikar weekly service, and 26 trips for the Lal Kuan-Sabarmati weekly train. Furthermore, the frequency of several popular services—such as the Mumbai Central-Bhiwani, Sri Ganganagar-Samastipur, and Jaipur-Bandra Terminus trains—has been increased to accommodate the festive rush.
Broader Network Support
In addition to the NWR initiatives, other railway zones are taking proactive steps to manage the holiday traffic. The West Central Railway has decided to extend three intercity trains from Jabalpur to Madan Mahal to better distribute passenger load. Simultaneously, authorities are deploying additional special trains and extra sleeper coaches on routes connecting Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. These integrated efforts are designed to ensure that passengers can travel comfortably and reach their destinations without the typical holiday-season chaos. Travellers are advised to check the official IRCTC website or the NTES app for real-time updates on these special services before planning their journeys.