New Delhi: As the festival of lights, Diwali, dawns upon India, the Western Railway (WR) is pulling out all the stops to ensure a smooth and safe journey for millions of travellers. The railway has announced the operation of 200 special trains to cater to the surge in passenger demand during the festive season, which also includes Chhath Puja celebrations.
Kind Attention to All Passengers!
Here’s the list of Festival Special Trains set to operate on 29th October 2024. pic.twitter.com/NiJtg01gcj
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 28, 2024
The WR’s special train services, a part of its commitment to meet rising passenger demand during peak travel times, include 120 trains operating on Tuesday, October 29, with 22 of them specifically catering to popular destinations in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.
Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, emphasised the railway’s commitment to monitoring these additional services with daily real-time checks on train waitlists. “We are closely monitoring these additional services from both divisional and headquarters levels, coordinated by our senior officers,” he said.
In a bid to manage the expected crowds effectively, the WR has implemented several proactive measures, including:
Crowd Management at Key Stations: A spacious holding area for passengers at Bandra Terminus, Surat, and Udhna stations has been established to enhance boarding efficiency and comfort.
Platform Sales Restrictions: Platform ticket sales have been temporarily restricted at major stations until November 8, 2024, to control crowding and ensure smooth movement within station areas.
Increased Staff Deployment and Safety Protocols: Maximum staff deployment and safety protocols have been put in place at crucial high-traffic stations, including Bandra Terminus, Surat, Udhna, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad, following the tragic stampede incident at Bandra station.
Extra Ticket Counters and ATVM Machines: Additional ticket counters and ATVM machines have been installed and made operational at key stations to handle the surge in passenger demand.
Dedicated Checking Staff: Checking staff are stationed around the clock at all entry and exit points at Udhna station to assist passengers.
The Eastern Railway is also stepping up its operations, running 50 special trains and providing 400 additional services during Diwali and Chhath Puja, reflecting a significant increase from the previous year.
