NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced that Indian Railways has made extensive arrangements to handle the festive rush, operating over 12,000 special trains in addition to regular services. So far, 1.6 crore passengers have travelled through these special trains, with a similar number expected to return after the Chhath festival.
The Minister said the Railways have managed the surge in passengers through systematic planning and efficient use of technology, including CCTV surveillance, handheld Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), and streamlined passenger movement. Special attention has been given to 30 key stations in North Bihar and Purvanchal, where dedicated holding areas have been established to ensure passenger comfort and organised entry.
Extending greetings on the occasion of Chhath Puja, Shri Vaishnaw said these measures reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to providing affordable, safe, and smooth travel experiences during the festive season. The holding areas have received widespread appreciation for offering passengers comfortable seating and improved boarding facilities.
Passengers across the country have praised Indian Railways for effective crowd management, cleanliness, and punctuality. At New Delhi Railway Station, travellers commended the smooth operations and hygiene standards, while at Bhagalpur, passengers appreciated the festive atmosphere created by Chhath songs being played at the station.
In other locations such as Raipur, Pune, and Anand Vihar, passengers noted the availability of essential amenities like water, fans, and organised queues that made boarding more efficient.
With these measures, Indian Railways continues to demonstrate its commitment to passenger welfare, safety, and satisfaction, ensuring that millions of festive journeys remain safe, reliable, and well-coordinated across the country.
