Indian Railways bolsters services for festivals

Srinagar, Nov 7: Special arrangements were made by Indian Railways at important stations to enable people travelling by rail to meet their loved ones on the occasion of festivals. Indian Railways operated 7,663 special trains on the occasion of Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals, while last year 4,500 special trains were operated. Northern Railway has done an exceptional job to manage the rush of Diwali and Chhath Puja festival this year.

A statement said that New Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin are some of the stations where special additional arrangements were made by the Delhi Division of Northern Railway. Additional temporary pandals were erected for the passengers, these pandals were provided with all the necessary facilities including proper lighting at night, pedestal fans, drinking water, toilets, ticket and enquiry counters etc. The existing infrastructure of the stations, including passenger amenities like public lighting, fans, waiting rooms with AC waiting halls etc., was being regularly monitored for smooth functioning. Eastbound trains were parked only at pre-determined platforms with pre-determined entry gates for easy movement of passengers who were going to Diwali and Chhath Puja festival.

It said that additional festival special trains were announced by Northern Railway and sometimes unannounced unscheduled trains were run depending upon the crowd present at the station and availability of additional rakes/coaches to meet the increased demand of passengers. Mini-Control Rooms were set up at major stations to promptly address any contingency on a real time basis at the local station level. Additional railway staff was also deployed at these stations to meet the needs of passengers and the load of additional trains.

The enhanced services and special arrangements by Indian Railways ensured a seamless and comfortable travel experience for passengers during the festive season, enabling them to reunite with their loved ones.