Ludhiana Station Mega Plan for Diwali and Chhath Puja Rush
Firozpur Division rolls out massive infrastructure and special trains at Ludhiana station to manage the 80,000 passenger festive surge.
Ludhiana Railway Station is undergoing a massive transformation to handle the enormous influx of travelers expected during the 2026 Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities. To manage the anticipated surge, the Firozpur Railway Division has implemented an extensive infrastructure and operational overhaul designed to ensure passenger comfort and smooth crowd movement.
Massive Waiting Areas and New Entry Points
To combat overcrowding, a significant 2,500-square-meter temporary waiting tent has been erected at Ludhiana station. This is part of a wider divisional initiative to provide a total of 3,700 square meters of temporary waiting space across several key stations, including:
- Amritsar: 300 sqm
- Jalandhar City: 400 sqm
- Dhandari Kalan: 500 sqm
In a strategic move to reduce congestion at the main entrance, authorities have opened a new entry point on the multi-level car parking (MLCP) side. This new access point is fully equipped with dedicated ticket counters, seating areas, and catering stalls to serve passengers more efficiently.
Special Trains and Increased Capacity
The Firozpur Railway Division has significantly boosted connectivity by operating 15 pairs of special trains, amounting to a total of 98 trips. Specifically for Ludhiana, six pairs of special trains will originate from the station, offering direct routes to major eastern destinations such as Saharsa, Darbhanga, Gaya, Kolkata, and Purnia.
To further alleviate the pressure on existing services, capacity has been increased on key routes by attaching two additional third-AC coaches to the following trains:
- Firozpur Cantt–Patna (04616)
- Amritsar–Barauni (04668)
Enhanced Safety and Passenger Amenities
Passenger welfare remains a top priority during this high-traffic period. The station has ensured the availability of essential amenities, including potable water, clean sanitation facilities, and first-aid kits. To manage the crowds effectively, additional staff have been deployed at enquiry offices and across various platforms.
Security has been bolstered with round-the-clock surveillance provided by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) to ensure a safe environment for all travelers.
"These proactive measures are designed to handle a projected festive footfall of 70,000 to 80,000 passengers," stated Sanjeev Kumar, Firozpur Divisional Railway Manager (DRM). He added that more special services might be introduced if the demand continues to rise.
Despite these extensive preparations, the station has experienced high levels of congestion on platforms between November 6 and November 8, 2026, as travelers rush to board trains during the peak of the festive season.