Ayodhya Cantt Station Upgrades for Massive Festive Surge
Northern Railway introduces special trains and enhanced security at Ayodhya Cantt to manage the heavy Diwali and Chhath pilgrim crowds.
The Lucknow division of Northern Railway is significantly ramping up infrastructure and operations as part of the Ayodhya Cantt station upgrades to handle the heavy influx of domestic and international pilgrims. These measures are being implemented to ensure smooth travel during the upcoming festive season.
Massive Special Train Schedule for Diwali and Chhath
To manage the anticipated surge in travelers between November 9 and November 13, 2026, the railway administration has announced an extensive deployment of special services. The plan includes:
- 54 pairs of special trains, which will provide a total of 1,704 trips to accommodate the crowd.
- 10 on-demand (TOD) special trains, scheduled to address sudden increases in travel demand.
Expanding Capacity at Ayodhya Dham and Cantt
With the growing number of tourists, capacity augmentation has become a critical priority for the division. Proposals are currently active to construct new passenger holding facilities at both Ayodhya Dham and Ayodhya Cantt stations. Each of these facilities is designed to accommodate up to 2,500 travelers, providing much-needed relief during peak transit periods.
High-Tech Security and Real-Time Coordination
Security and order are being prioritized through a multi-layered approach. A divisional war room has been established to operate 24/7, facilitating real-time coordination between the Railway Protection Force (RPF), the Government Railway Police (GRP), and various commercial departments.
Surveillance has also been heavily reinforced. An integrated network of 386 CCTV cameras has been installed across key transit points, including Ayodhya Dham, to monitor passenger movement and ensure safety.
Improving Services through Passenger Feedback
In an effort to refine station services, officials recently conducted a 'Rail Jansamvad' (public dialogue) campaign at Ayodhya Cantt. Station Manager P.R. Meena confirmed that passenger feedback, particularly regarding sanitation and the standard of facilities, is being systematically collected. This information will be used to inform both immediate improvements and long-term infrastructure planning.
Additionally, for major events such as Deepotsav, the station will utilize LED vans to broadcast live updates, ensuring that visitors remain well-informed throughout their journey.
While the administration emphasizes its commitment to providing a world-class experience, the ongoing development works have become a subject of political discourse, with opposition leaders calling for accountability regarding the quality and pace of these projects.