Ashwini Vaishnaw's Anand Vihar Inspection: Buys Tea via UPI!
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted an Anand Vihar inspection to check amenities and interact with passengers during the festive rush.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted an unannounced ground inspection at Anand Vihar Railway Station on Saturday. Stepping onto the platforms to connect with festive commuters, the Minister aimed to gather real-time feedback and review the seasonal travel arrangements currently in place.
In a move that highlighted the success of the Digital India initiative, Minister Vaishnaw interacted with passengers like a common citizen. He even shared a cup of tea at a station stall, paying for it digitally via UPI to demonstrate the seamless integration of digital payments at public transit hubs.
Direct Feedback from Festive Commuters
During his walk-through, the Minister engaged with a wide variety of travellers, including women, children, and youth. He used the opportunity to assess ground-level amenities, cleanliness, and the quality of waiting areas. Passengers provided positive feedback regarding the recent facility upgrades and enhancements implemented by Indian Railways.
The Minister also spent time encouraging young travellers and interacting with children, keeping the inspection informal and accessible to the public.
Managing the Massive Festive Surge
Addressing the unprecedented number of passengers during the ongoing festival period, Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the massive scale of operations deployed across the national network. He noted that the deployment of special trains has been a key factor in accommodating the heavy passenger load.
"This year, around 18,000 special trains have been operated. The benefits are visible. Because of special trains, many passengers can travel. In this Diwali, Pooja and Rush season, more than 2 crore passengers have been able to travel."
Preparing for the Chhath Puja Peak
With the festive travel cycle moving into its next phase, railway authorities are bracing for another surge in movement. Following the heavy passenger volumes observed during Dhanteras, high-density platform management is currently in effect for outbound trains for Chhoti Diwali.
Looking ahead, additional train deployments are being planned to handle the massive movement of passengers toward the eastern sectors for the upcoming Chhath Puja. The Minister assured that elevated operational protocols and special services will remain active to ensure the incoming rush is managed smoothly.