80,000 Special Trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja Travel
Indian Railways announces 80,000 special trains and AI security to manage the massive passenger rush during the upcoming festive season.
Indian Railways is preparing for a massive surge in passenger movement during the upcoming festive season. To ensure smooth travel for millions during Diwali and Chhath Puja, the ministry has announced plans to operate more than 80,000 special trains across the country.
This is a significant jump from the previous financial year, where approximately 75,000 special services were provided to commuters. Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that for the current festive cycle—which includes Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath—the network will facilitate 18,000 dedicated special trains alone.
Enhanced Infrastructure at Major Terminals
To manage the heavy crowds at key transit points, the Ministry of Railways has rolled out comprehensive infrastructure upgrades at 20 major railway stations. These upgrades are specifically designed to prevent platform congestion and improve passenger flow.
- Strategic Upgrades: Major stations like Anand Vihar Terminal, New Delhi, and Hazrat Nizamuddin are receiving priority attention.
- Crowd Management: Dedicated 'holding areas' have been established at these terminals to manage waiting passengers.
- Simplified Ticketing: Ticket counters have been relocated to specific zones to ensure that the main platforms do not become overcrowded.
- Faster Processing: Additional scanning counters have been installed to speed up passenger movement through security checkpoints.
AI-Powered Security and Real-Time Monitoring
Security is a top priority for the railway administration this season. To bolster safety and enhance real-time monitoring, the ministry has deployed over 700 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled cameras at key stations. These advanced surveillance tools will help officials monitor crowd density and security threats more effectively.
War Room Review by Rail Minister
Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally reviewed the security protocols and crowd control arrangements at the 'War Room' in Rail Bhawan. During his visit, he noted that station crowding is currently within manageable limits.
The Ministry is fully committed to ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience for all passengers throughout this festive period.
Passengers traveling during this period are advised to stay updated by checking the official Indian Railways website or mobile application for the latest train schedules and ticket availability.