Bikaner Division Adds 39 Coaches for Diwali & Chhath Puja
North Western Railway's Bikaner Division adds 39 extra coaches and tightens security to manage festive crowds for Diwali and Chhath Puja.
To manage the massive influx of passengers during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities, the Bikaner Division of the North Western Railway has implemented a comprehensive plan to increase train capacity and strengthen security across the region.
Boosting Capacity to Reduce Waiting Lists
In an effort to alleviate long waiting lists and provide more confirmed berths for travelers, the division has added 39 additional coaches across 16 pairs of trains. This capacity enhancement specifically targets 15 key services to ensure smoother travel during the peak festive period.
The augmentation, which has been phased in since November 1, includes the following coach types:
- 15 Third AC coaches
- 15 Second Sleeper coaches
- 8 General coaches
- 1 First-cum-Second AC coach
These upgrades are designed to benefit passengers traveling on major routes connecting Bikaner to prominent cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Pune. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Anurag Tripathi confirmed that these measures are a direct response to the high passenger volumes expected during the holidays. Railway official Virendra Joshi noted that the administration is continuously monitoring passenger loads and stands ready to attach further coaches if demand necessitates it.
Tightened Security and Crowd Management
Beyond increasing seating capacity, the Bikaner Division has significantly bolstered its security protocols to ensure passenger safety. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is conducting rigorous inspections throughout the division and at Bikaner railway station.
To maintain order and safety, the following measures have been put in place:
- Integrated Security Systems: Authorities are verifying the operational status of all critical equipment, including CCTV surveillance networks and baggage scanners.
- 24/7 War Rooms: Divisional "war rooms" have been established to operate around the clock, allowing officials to monitor passenger movement in real-time.
- Enhanced RPF Presence: Additional RPF personnel have been deployed at entry and exit points, platforms, and circulating areas to maintain vigilance.
- Crowd Control Zones: Segregated holding zones are being utilized to manage the flow of passengers and prevent overcrowding during peak hours.