LAGATAR24 DESK
New Delhi: As the Diwali season gets underway, the Indian Railways has announced a substantial increase in services to manage the festive rush. From October 29, over 250 special trains will operate across popular routes. Western Railway (WR) alone has allocated 200 special trains, with more than 120 running today to ease travel demands for Diwali and Chhath Puja, including 40 trains specifically departing from the Mumbai Division to high-demand destinations in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.
“This is part of our commitment to meet the rising passenger demand during this vibrant time,” said Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway. “We are monitoring these additional services closely at both divisional and headquarters levels, ensuring real-time management of train waitlists.”
The Eastern Railway also bolstered its service, with 50 special trains scheduled to operate and an additional 400 services planned during the Diwali and Chhath festivities. “Eastern Railway is running more trains this year, increasing from last year’s 33 to 50 special trains,” stated Kaushik Mitra, Eastern Railway PRO.
Enhanced Safety Protocols After Bandra Incident
Following a recent stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra station, Indian Railways has heightened crowd control and safety measures at major stations, particularly in the Mumbai Division. Platform ticket sales have been temporarily restricted at critical stations, including Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra Terminus, and Borivali, until November 8, 2024. This move is intended to alleviate crowding and facilitate safe movement.
At Bandra Terminus, Western Railway has set up a spacious 370 sq. m holding area that can accommodate up to 600 passengers, complete with amenities such as lighting, fans, water fountains, and toilets. “We aim to enhance boarding efficiency by providing designated spaces for waiting passengers,” explained Abhishek. Udhna and Surat stations also have similar holding areas, with an additional waiting area established at Surat’s Platform No. 4.
Furthermore, extra ticket counters and ATVM machines have been installed at Bandra Terminus, Surat, and Udhna, with additional shifts scheduled for stations like Vapi and Valsad. Licensed helpers and dedicated checking staff are stationed around the clock to assist passengers.
