18,000 Special Trains for Diwali and Chhath Rush!
Indian Railways to run 18,000 special trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja to manage the massive festive passenger surge.
Indian Railways is gearing up for a massive festive season by announcing the operation of approximately 18,000 special trains to accommodate the heavy surge in travelers. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that these extra services are being deployed to manage the significant passenger influx during the upcoming Diwali, Durga Puja, and Chhath Puja festivals.
This year's festive strategy marks a significant jump in capacity, with the number of special services increasing from the 12,000 operated during the same period last year.
High-Tech Crowd Management and Safety
To ensure smooth movement and passenger safety, the Ministry is implementing advanced technology and infrastructure upgrades at major railway hubs. During a recent inspection of the Anand Vihar Terminal in New Delhi, Minister Vaishnaw highlighted several key measures:
- AI-Powered Surveillance: Over 700 Artificial Intelligence-enabled cameras have been installed at major stations to monitor passenger density and enhance security.
- Dedicated Holding Areas: To prevent overcrowding on platforms, dedicated holding areas have been established at approximately 20 major stations, including New Delhi and Anand Vihar terminals.
- Streamlined Throughput: Authorities have relocated ticket counters and increased the number of security scanning facilities to expedite passenger movement.
Managing the Massive Delhi Passenger Outflow
The Delhi region is expected to witness a massive movement of people, with nearly 2 crore passengers anticipated to travel during the festive period. To address this, the scheduling and frequency of special trains are being determined through data-driven analysis of passenger demand trends.
Furthermore, the Railways has taken proactive steps to handle unexpected surges. Standby train rakes have been strategically positioned at locations such as Shakur Basti in Delhi to ensure immediate availability if demand spikes unexpectedly.
A Growing Trend in Special Services
The deployment of these trains is part of a larger trend of increasing capacity. While 75,000 special services were provided in the previous financial year, the Railways expects the total number of special train services to exceed 80,000 for the current financial year.