Ashwini Vaishnaw Inspects New Delhi Station: 18,000 Festive Trains
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inspects New Delhi station as 18,000 special trains are deployed for the festive season to manage passenger surge.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted an on-site inspection at the New Delhi Railway Station to evaluate preparations for the massive passenger surge expected during the upcoming holidays. During his visit to the Ajmeri Gate side, the Minister announced that Indian Railways will operate 18,000 special trains to accommodate travelers during the Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja period.
This deployment marks a significant increase in capacity compared to last year, when 12,000 special trains were operated. With approximately 2 crore passengers expected to travel from the Delhi region during this festive window, the Ministry has implemented a data-driven strategy to manage the rush.
High-Tech Crowd Management at New Delhi Station
To ensure passenger safety and smooth movement, several technological and structural upgrades have been implemented at the New Delhi station. These include:
- AI-Powered Monitoring: More than 700 AI-enabled cameras have been installed to facilitate real-time crowd monitoring.
- Streamlined Entry: The previous six-gate entry system has been replaced with a centralized common area to prevent bottlenecks.
- Expanded Waiting Space: To increase capacity, luggage-checking facilities have been relocated outside the main station area.
- Standby Resources: Six train rakes are kept on standby at the Shakur Basti depot to address any sudden surges in demand.
Beyond New Delhi, dedicated holding areas have been established at other high-traffic hubs, including Anand Vihar Terminal and Udhna in Surat. Each of these zones is designed to accommodate approximately 20,000 passengers at a time.
Data-Driven Strategy and Station Redevelopment
Minister Vaishnaw noted that the current deployment strategy is based on a decade of passenger data analysis. This allows the Railways to identify specific peak routes and high-demand windows, particularly around Dhanteras and the days leading up to Chhath Puja.
In a broader effort to modernize the network, the Minister highlighted that 1,300 stations are currently undergoing redevelopment as part of a national project, with work already completed at approximately 400 locations.
Important Travel Advice for Passengers
To avoid delays and congestion, passengers are encouraged to follow these guidelines:
- Verify your train status using the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or by calling the 139 helpline.
- Arrive at the station well in advance of your scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process.