Indian Railways To Operate 12,000 Special Trains For Diwali And Chhath Puja

In a foresighted anticipation of the surge in rail passengers that is witnessed each year during the festive season, Indian Railways has announced a plan for the operation of 12,000 special trains across the country. The measure aims to manage the overwhelming rush of festive travellers during Diwali and Chhath Puja, two of the busiest travel phases of the year in India. Both the festivals observe a transit of millions of people who return to their hometowns to celebrate the festivals with their near and dear ones.Railways’ Festive PlanThese extra services are intended to reduce traffic on normal trains, which frequently experience severe overbooking and lengthy waiting lines during the festival season, according to the Ministry of Railways. "The special services will run between major destinations to meet the increased travel demand, ensuring smoother and more convenient journeys for passengers," said Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw as quoted by an Indian news platform.The Railways highlighted that the plan calls for careful resource allocation and scheduling. In order to guarantee that trains are run on routes with the largest passenger loads, zones have been directed to keep an eye on demand and modify services as necessary. Passengers who might normally have difficulty obtaining tickets during this season will have more access thanks to the special trains, which will complement the current network.Advanced Ticketing And Passenger ConvenienceThe Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) platform, counters, and licensed agents are the means by which tickets for these special trains can be availed, according to railway officials. The goal of the special provision is to limit the inconvenience of last-minute cancellations or non-availability while also expediting the booking process. Passengers are being advised to confirm their travel arrangements in advance to prevent issues, as advanced booking is already in progress.Focus On Safety And ManagementAdditionally, the declaration places a high priority on operating effectiveness and safety. At stations that are expected to see extremely heavy foot traffic during the holiday days, the Ministry has ordered that crowd control measures be implemented. The efficient management of passenger movements will be ensured by increased staff deployment, enhanced surveillance, and cooperation with state police forces.Railways has also made it clear that at this time, cleanliness, food, and timeliness will be prioritised, and all zones have been instructed to improve station and on-board amenities. The goal is to balance the operational difficulties of managing so many services in a constrained amount of time with the goal of offering a better travel experience.A Nationwide EffortThis initiative is one of Indian Railways' biggest seasonal travel responses in recent years, with 12,000 additional services being pushed into operation. In regions like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, where demand spikes sharply during Diwali and Chhath, the decision highlights the vital role that railways play in connecting millions of passengers during national festivities.In addition to meeting increased demand, Indian Railways is working to lessen the inconvenience of crowding and ticket shortages by introducing these trains. It is anticipated that this all-inclusive plan will greatly simplify festive travel and guarantee that families can get back together without the difficulties that usually accompany journeys during festival season.(With inputs from various sources.)