Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-northern-railway-rolls-out-2950-special-trains-for-festive-rush-check-details-here-3639902/
Publisher: The Financial Express
In preparation for the festive season, Northern Railway announced on Monday that it has launched a comprehensive action plan to accommodate the surge in passenger demand, running a total of 2,950 special trains between October 1 and November 30, 2024. This marks a 172 per cent increase in the number of festival-special trains compared to the same period last year, ensuring smoother and more comfortable journeys for passengers.
Festival Special Trains for Key Destinations
Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway, highlighted that a majority of these special services—about 83 per cent—will cater to passengers travelling to east-bound states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Assam. Some of the busiest destinations include cities such as Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Patna, Kolkata, Guwahati, Lucknow, and Howrah. These trains will primarily originate from the National Capital Region, serving popular routes during the festive rush.
“The special trains will ensure that passengers can reach their homes in time for celebrations,” said Upadhyay. “We’ve taken various steps to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience.”
Enhancing Passenger Safety and Amenities
In light of the expected crowds, Northern Railway has implemented several measures to ensure passenger safety and convenience. Strict regulations will be enforced to prevent unauthorised entry into reserved coaches, and curbs have been placed on carrying inflammable materials. Additionally, efforts to curb smoking and littering on trains and station premises have been ramped up.
Upadhyay also mentioned that extra coaches—52 in total—will be added to various trains, making 2,740 additional trips and accommodating over 2.06 lakh passengers during the festive period. In cases of overwhelming demand, unreserved special trains will also be deployed in real-time to clear the rush.
Managing Crowds and Special Arrangements
To handle the high volume of passengers, additional ticket-checking staff and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel will be deployed at critical areas such as foot-over bridges, entry and exit points, platforms, and booking offices. Designated holding areas are being created to manage overcrowding, especially at major stations.
Special arrangements are also in place for senior citizens, differently-abled passengers, and women to ensure smooth and safe travel during the busy season.
“The efficient management of ticket booking, availability of food, medical aid, regular announcements, and additional security personnel are all part of our plan to make sure every passenger has a safe and hassle-free journey,” Upadhyay said.
As the festive season approaches, Northern Railway is committed to accommodating the increased demand while maintaining a focus on passenger safety and comfort, ensuring smooth operations throughout the region.
