Western Railway Moves 7.3 Million Passengers During Diwali & Chhath Puja
Western Railway successfully handled 7.3 million passengers during Diwali and Chhath Puja with 2,000 special trains and enhanced security.
Western Railway has successfully managed a massive wave of travelers during the recent festive season. Between November 1 and November 10, 2026, the zone recorded a staggering 7.3 million passengers traveling for the Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations. This figure represents a significant increase of approximately 200,000 passengers compared to the same period in 2025.
Massive Surge in Festive Travel
To ensure that passengers could reach their destinations safely and timely, Western Railway ramped up its operations significantly. The administration operated roughly 2,000 special train trips throughout the 10-day festive window to accommodate the high demand.
A major focus was placed on the Surat and Udhana regions, where over 250 special train services were orchestrated to mitigate congestion. Udhana station, in particular, emerged as a massive transit hub, facilitating the movement of nearly 270,000 passengers during this short timeframe.
Advanced Crowd Management at Udhana
Managing such high volumes required meticulous planning and strict protocols. Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Vineet Abhishek confirmed that railway administration officials, including Divisional Railway Managers, implemented stringent crowd-management measures to regulate the flow of people.
At Udhana station, a dedicated 10,000-square-meter holding area was established to prevent platform overcrowding. This facility was equipped with essential amenities to ensure passenger comfort and safety, including:
- Ample seating arrangements
- Drinking water facilities
- Cooling fans
- CCTV surveillance for continuous monitoring
Heightened Security and On-Demand Solutions
Safety remained a top priority during the festive surge. To maintain order and prevent incidents, there was a significant deployment of additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel across key stations.
In a proactive move to handle sudden spikes in passenger numbers, officials utilized "on-demand" services. This included the deployment of unnotified special trains to clear platforms quickly and prevent dangerous overcrowding. According to official data released on November 13, 2026, the coordinated logistical operations across the Western Railway zone were a major success.