18,000 Special Trains Run for Festive Rush: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reveals 18,000 special trains were operated to help 2 crore passengers travel during the festive season.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that the Indian Railways has significantly ramped up its capacity to handle the massive passenger surge during the festive season. To facilitate smooth travel during Diwali, Durga Puja, and Chhath, approximately 18,000 special trains have been operated this year.
During a visit to the Anand Vihar Terminal on Saturday, the Minister highlighted that these special services have benefited more than 2 crore passengers, ensuring they can reach their destinations despite the heavy seasonal demand.
Enhanced Crowd Management at Major Terminals
To tackle the heavy footfall, the Railways has strengthened crowd management protocols across major stations and terminals. The Minister noted that specific holding areas have been established to manage large crowds and provide better facilities during peak travel periods.
Key stations being closely monitored to manage the expected rush include:
- Anand Vihar Terminal
- Hazrat Nizamuddin
- New Delhi
- Shakur Basti
The Minister observed that while Dhanteras and Chhoti Diwali saw significant passenger movement, another major peak is expected in the coming days ahead of the Chhath Puja celebrations. He noted that passenger movement is expected to normalize on Sunday before rising again three days before Chhath.
Addressing Infrastructure Gaps at Anand Vihar
While interacting with passengers, Minister Vaishnaw identified critical areas for improvement, specifically regarding the congestion on the Foot Overbridge (FOB) at Anand Vihar Terminal. This bridge serves as a vital link for passengers connecting with the Delhi Metro, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and the local bus stand.
To resolve this, the Minister has issued immediate instructions to:
- Conduct an immediate survey of the existing FOB.
- Examine the feasibility of widening the bridge.
- Explore the construction of a subway to ease passenger movement before the next festive season.
Rapid Response to Passenger Demand
Responding to feedback from travelers seeking more connectivity, the Railway Minister stated that the Railway Chairman, General Managers, and Divisional Railway Managers have been directed to act swiftly. Officials have been instructed to mobilize additional trains within a few hours during peak periods to accommodate as many passengers as possible.
"We are fully committed to improving every year," Vaishnaw added, encouraging passengers to share suggestions directly with his office to further enhance railway services.