Indian Railways adds coaches and special trains for Ganesh Chaturthi rush
Indian Railways is taking major steps to manage the massive surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival by increasing carrying capacity and operating special services. Travellers heading home for the celebrations can expect better arrangements, though stations are anticipated to remain busy throughout the festive window.
The key highlights of the special arrangements implemented by Indian Railways include:
- Moradabad division of Northern Railway is attaching temporary general class coaches to 16 trains starting September 12, lasting until October 2 and 3.
- Central Railway has scheduled a total of 262 special train services, comprising 200 reserved and 62 unreserved trips.
- Over 1.17 lakh confirmed bookings have already been secured for the 200 reserved special services.
- Special routes include services between Hazur Sahib Nanded and Sawantwadi Road, Mumbai CSMT and Madgaon, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Madgaon, and Panvel and Chiplun.
- Enhanced crowd management features robust RPF deployment, extra ticket counters, and designated waiting areas at major stations.
Enhanced Train Operations and Special Routes
To accommodate festival-goers, Central Railway has confirmed a total of 262 special train services, consisting of 200 reserved and 62 unreserved trips. According to Dr. Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, 1,17,682 confirmed bookings have already been secured for the 200 reserved special services. Among the new additions, Central Railway will operate four special trains between Hazur Sahib Nanded and Sawantwadi Road from September 12 to September 17, and four additional services between Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Madgaon on September 11 and 13. Furthermore, 34 special trains are designated for the Ganesh Utsav between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Madgaon, as well as between Panvel and Chiplun, with bookings having opened on September 8.
In addition to Central Railway operations, Northern Railway's Moradabad division will attach temporary general class coaches to 16 trains starting September 12, with these arrangements remaining in effect until October 2 and 3 to manage the anticipated festive crowds efficiently.
Passenger Safety and Station Management
To ensure passenger safety and maintain order, railway authorities are deploying additional Railway Protection Force personnel and ticket-checking staff at major stations. Infrastructure improvements have also been rolled out, including the opening of extra ticket counters, designated waiting areas, and enhanced queue-management systems.
Passengers travelling during this peak period are strongly advised to carry valid identification, possess confirmed tickets, and arrive at railway stations at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled departure to avoid any boarding delays.