New Delhi : In a bid to accommodate the festive rush during the Diwali and Chhath celebrations, the Railway Board has announced the introduction of an impressive 7,663 additional special train services. This initiative, set to run from October 1 to November 30, marks a significant 73% increase in train trips compared to the same period last year, where only 4,429 special trains were operated. During the festive period from October 24 to November 4, Indian Railways has successfully transported approximately 957.24 lakh non-suburban passengers. This figure represents a notable rise from the previous year, which recorded 923.33 lakh passengers during the same timeframe, showcasing an increase of nearly 34 lakh travelers.
On November 4 alone, over 1.2 crore passengers availed themselves of the services, including 19.43 lakh reserved and over 1.01 crore unreserved non-suburban travelers, marking the highest single-day passenger count for the current year. To manage the surge in passenger numbers, the Railway Board operated 207 special trains on November 3 and 203 on November 4. This strategic move comes in response to social media posts depicting overcrowded trains and passengers attempting to gain access through windows at various stations. In light of these challenges, the Railway Board has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring safe travel for all passengers, stating, “Transporting people across India during Diwali and Chhath is a challenging task, but after successfully managing similar operations during Navratri and Durga Puja, Indian Railways is now fully prepared to help the commuters reach their native places for the ongoing celebrations.”
The board has also urged passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or substances on railway premises to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) via helpline 139 or through the RailMadad portal. To further enhance safety, inspections of luggage and parcels, as well as monitoring of vendors and hawkers utilizing portable stoves, have been intensified since October 15 to mitigate fire risks. As the festive season continues, Indian Railways remains dedicated to providing efficient and secure transport for millions of travelers, ensuring a smooth journey home for the festivities.