18,000 Special Trains Deployed for Delhi's 8 Lakh Daily Rush
Indian Railways deploys 18,000 special trains to manage festive crowds. Delhi stations see daily footfall hit 8 lakh during peak season.
To manage the massive surge of travelers during the festive season, Indian Railways has announced the operation of approximately 18,000 special trains. This significant deployment aims to ease the pressure on the network during the celebrations of Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja.
AI-Driven Planning for Festive Demand
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that this year's deployment is a major jump from the 12,000 special trains operated during the same period last year. The decision to increase the number of trains was based on sophisticated AI-driven analysis. By examining passenger demand data from the last decade—excluding the COVID-19 period—the Railways was able to predict and prepare for the massive influx of commuters.
Delhi Stations Face Massive Passenger Surge
The national capital's railway network is feeling the heat. Major hubs including New Delhi, Old Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and Sarai Rohilla have seen a staggering 2 crore passenger movements between October 1 and November 5, 2026. While the average daily footfall typically sits around 5 lakh, the numbers skyrocketed to 8 lakh passengers per day during the peak window from November 1 to November 5, 2026.
The Minister highlighted that the busiest periods occur on Dhanteras and the three days leading up to Chhath Puja, with congestion peaking after 5:00 PM.
High-Tech Security and Crowd Management
To ensure safety and smooth movement, several infrastructure and security upgrades have been implemented:
- Over 700 AI-enabled cameras are now monitoring New Delhi Railway Station.
- Dedicated holding areas capable of accommodating 20,000 passengers each have been established at New Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, and Udhna stations.
- These areas include separate sections for reserved and unreserved travelers.
- Luggage-checking facilities have been relocated to outer areas to repurpose indoor space for passenger waiting.
Command and Control Systems
The entire operation is being overseen by a four-tier war room system, which extends from the Railway Board down to the station level. To address any emergency situations, six standby train rakes are available at the Shakur Basti depot, ready for immediate deployment.