Indian Railways Runs 250 Extra Trains To Clear Diwali Rush From Today: See Routes And Timings

As the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities light up India, the Western Railway (WR) and Eastern Railway are setting the tracks ablaze with over 250 special trains to accommodate the surge in passenger demand. WR has rolled out 200 special trains, while Eastern Railway has added 50 to its schedule, ensuring more than 170 trains will be traversing the railways on October 29 alone. These additional services are aimed at easing the travel during this vibrant season, providing a seamless journey to popular destinations across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.

Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, highlighted the efforts to enhance passenger comfort and safety, stating, "This is part of our commitment to meet the rising passenger demand during this vibrant time, as detailed in a recent press release." He further emphasized the meticulous planning and coordination at both divisional and headquarters levels to monitor these extra services, ensuring efficient crowd management and real-time checks on train waitlists. Adding to the convenience, both railways have increased the number of coaches in regular trains, incorporating 400 additional services to handle the festive rush effectively.

Enhanced Safety and Crowd Management Measures

Following the unfortunate stampede at Mumbai's Bandra station, Indian Railways has enforced strict safety protocols and crowd control measures, especially in high-traffic stations such as Bandra Terminus, Surat, Udhna, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad. To ensure the safety of passengers, platform sales have been temporarily restricted at key Mumbai Division stations, including Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra Terminus, and others, until November 8, 2024. These steps aim to manage the crowds and facilitate smooth movement within station areas during the heavy influx of travellers.

The proactive approach towards crowd management has been evident in the establishment of spacious holding areas across various stations. For example, Bandra Terminus now boasts a 370 sq. m holding area capable of accommodating up to 600 passengers, complete with amenities such as lighting, fans, water fountains, and toilets. It also features a public announcement system to keep passengers informed about train schedules. Similar facilities have been set up at Udhna and Surat stations, enhancing the boarding process and passenger comfort.

Comprehensive Travel Support During Festive Season

To further support travellers, Indian Railways has deployed additional ticket counters and Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) at strategic locations such as Bandra Terminus, Surat, and Udhna. Additional shifts have also been introduced at Vapi and Valsad stations to manage the increased ticketing demand. Moreover, 50 licensed helpers are stationed between Surat and Udhna in two shifts to assist passengers, complemented by clear signage and dedicated checking staff at Udhna station's entry and exit points round the clock.

Kaushik Mitra, the Eastern Railways PRO, said an increase in the number of special trains from 33 last year to 50 this year, underscoring the railways' commitment to enhancing service during Diwali and Chhath Puja. "Eastern railway is running more trains this year than the last year for this festive season - Diwali and Chhath. Last year the number of special trains was 33, this year it has increased to 50," said Mitra. This expansion marks a significant effort to meet passenger needs and ensure a joyful and safe festive season for all travellers.