Kota Diwali Rush: Extra Trains and More Buses for Travelers
Kota prepares for Diwali rush with extra railway coaches, 11 special trains from ECR, and increased bus services to manage heavy passenger volume.
As the Diwali festival approaches, the city of Kota is witnessing a massive surge in passenger numbers, leading to significant congestion at both railway stations and bus stands. To ensure smooth travel for residents heading home, local authorities and the Indian Railways have launched a series of strategic measures to manage the heavy festive load.
Railways Expand Capacity with Special Trains
To combat the overcrowding, the Ministry of Railways has initiated a nationwide effort, operating over 100 pairs of special trains to handle the festive traffic. In the local context, the railway network is actively attaching extra coaches to existing trains to increase seating and standing capacity.
Specifically, the East Central Railway (ECR) jurisdiction has introduced 11 special trains designed to provide vital connectivity to key destinations, including:
- Kota
- Bhopal
- Gwalior
Enhanced Security and Station Management
Safety remains a top priority during this period of high movement. To maintain order and prevent mishaps, the RPF and the Government Railway Police (GRP) have significantly increased their personnel deployment across major stations.
Modern technology is also being deployed to monitor the crowds, including:
- CCTV Surveillance: Continuous monitoring of platform activities.
- Drone Monitoring: High-level oversight to manage large gatherings.
Additionally, to streamline the flow of passengers and reduce station congestion, authorities have established 'Yatri Suvidha Kendras' and designated holding areas for both reserved and unreserved travelers.
Roadways Scale Up for Festive Demand
The regional transport sector is also working overtime to meet the travel needs of the public. To ensure maximum availability of buses, transport authorities have cancelled all staff holidays between November 6 and November 17.
Looking toward the future, Kota is set for a significant upgrade in public transit. Under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme, the city has been allocated 100 electric buses. Development is currently underway for the necessary charging infrastructure and depots to support this green transition and enhance long-term connectivity.