18,000 Special Trains for Festive Rush: Minister's Big Plan
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces 18,000 special trains for Diwali and Chhath to manage massive festive crowds.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that Indian Railways will operate approximately 18,000 special trains this season to accommodate the massive surge in passengers during the upcoming festive period. During an inspection of the New Delhi Railway Station on November 6, 2026, the Minister outlined a comprehensive strategy to manage the heavy influx of travelers expected for Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja.
Massive Increase in Train Capacity
To address the soaring demand, the railways have significantly scaled up their operations. Compared to the 12,000 special trains operated during the same period last year, this year's deployment of 18,000 trains marks a substantial increase in capacity. This move is crucial as approximately two crore passengers are expected to travel by rail from the Delhi region alone during this festive window.
Smart Crowd Management at Major Stations
The Minister highlighted several infrastructure and procedural changes designed to streamline passenger movement and reduce congestion at major hubs like New Delhi and Udhna. Key improvements include:
- Dedicated Holding Areas: Major stations have been equipped with specialized holding areas capable of accommodating roughly 20,000 passengers each.
- Streamlined Entry: To prevent chaos, a single, common access point has been established for travelers with reserved tickets, replacing the previous system of six different entry points.
- Repurposed Spaces: Luggage-checking facilities have been relocated outside the main station areas. This allows former ticketing zones to be repurposed into comfortable waiting areas.
- Integrated Ticketing: To prevent passengers from navigating through heavy crowds, ticket counters have been moved directly into the holding areas.
AI-Powered Security and Surveillance
Safety and real-time monitoring have been prioritized through the integration of modern technology. More than 700 AI-enabled cameras have been installed across the stations. These advanced systems allow authorities to monitor crowd density in real-time, enabling them to redistribute passengers and intervene immediately if overcrowding is detected in specific zones.
Supporting these technological advancements is an increased deployment of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to ensure passenger security throughout the busy season.
A Vision for Modernized Stations
Beyond the immediate festive arrangements, Minister Vaishnaw emphasized a long-term commitment to upgrading the nation's rail infrastructure. A broader strategy is underway to redevelop 1,300 railway stations across India. This redevelopment plan focuses on:
- Integrating local architectural styles into station designs.
- Enhancing overall safety protocols.
- Upgrading facilities to meet modern passenger requirements.