Will Railways Operate 7,800 Additional Trains Amid Festive Rush?
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Synopsis
As Diwali and Chhath approach, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reveals plans for 7,800 additional trains to accommodate festive travelers. With dedicated War Rooms in place, the Railways ensures smooth operations and passenger convenience during this busy time.
Key Takeaways
- 7,800 additional special trains will be operated during the festive season.
- Dedicated War Rooms are established for real-time monitoring.
- Over 1 crore passengers are expected to travel during this time.
- A mini control room at New Delhi Railway Station ensures smooth operations.
- The Special Mobile Unreserved Ticketing System (M-UTS) enhances passenger convenience.
New Delhi, Oct 21 (NationPress) The Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Tuesday that to adequately address the anticipated rise in passenger numbers during Diwali and Chhath, the Railways has plans to launch approximately 7,800 more special trains shortly. War Rooms have also been established to oversee the festive rush.
During his visit to the New Delhi Railway Station on Tuesday, the minister assessed the preparations made for passengers throughout the festive season.
Before heading to New Delhi Railway Station, he reviewed updates on special train operations from the Rail Bhawan War Room. Specific directives were given to railway officials to prioritize passenger satisfaction.
To handle the significant influx of festive travelers, Indian Railways has set up a dedicated "War Room" at Rail Bhawan. This command center facilitates real-time oversight and enables officials to promptly respond to congestion, passenger issues, and possible incidents, according to the minister.
The War Room has become an efficient system managing the entire Indian Railways network, with over 80 such rooms operational at the Railway Board, zonal, and divisional levels.
Vaishnaw reported that an average of around 4.25 lakh passengers are traveling daily from the Delhi region. He emphasized continuous monitoring of major stations such as Surat, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, with even trains in motion being carefully tracked. Each division and zone operates its own war room, ensuring round-the-clock surveillance, supported by the dedicated efforts of railway staff.
The minister also visited the RPF Control Room via Platform No. 1, overseeing the entire station, and engaged with passengers to evaluate on-ground arrangements. He assessed the First Aid Room and interacted with the medical personnel on duty.
Indian Railways is running 12,011 special trains this festive season, a notable rise from the 7,724 trains operated in 2024, to accommodate the growing travel demand.
In addition to regular service, the railways successfully operated 4,211 special trains from October 1 to October 20, serving over 1 crore passengers.
From October 1 to October 20, these special trains have already catered to more than 1 crore passengers. In the New Delhi area, 21.04 lakh passengers were served between October 16 and October 20, compared to 19.71 lakh passengers during the same period last year—an increase of 1.33 lakh passengers, as per official statements.
A mini control room has also been set up at New Delhi Railway Station to closely monitor passenger services, ensuring smooth operations and improved convenience for travelers.
At Jaipur station, tickets are being issued directly in holding areas via the Special Mobile Unreserved Ticketing System (M-UTS), facilitating orderly station management while providing a convenient and satisfactory experience for travelers.
The Western Railway’s Vadodara Division is also striving to manage the increased passenger influx. Since October 1, over 30 lakh passengers have traveled to their destinations in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal through regular and five special trains operated by the Vadodara Division, which is currently running five festival special trains, with more than 70 trips already scheduled.
Point of View
The Indian Railways' proactive measures to enhance passenger convenience during the festive rush reflect a commendable commitment to public service. The establishment of War Rooms and the operation of additional special trains showcase the Railways' dedication to meeting travel demands efficiently. As travel resumes post-pandemic, these efforts reinforce the importance of preparedness and responsiveness in public transportation.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many special trains will be operated during the festive season?
The Indian Railways plans to run around 7,800 additional special trains to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic during Diwali and Chhath.
What are War Rooms in Indian Railways?
War Rooms are dedicated command centers established to monitor and manage the influx of festive travelers, ensuring real-time oversight and quick response to any passenger issues.
How has passenger traffic changed compared to last year?
Between October 16 and October 20, 21.04 lakh passengers were facilitated, an increase of 1.33 lakh passengers compared to the same period last year.
What is the Special Mobile Unreserved Ticketing System (M-UTS)?
M-UTS is a system that allows tickets to be issued directly in holding areas at stations, improving order and convenience for travelers.
What measures are being taken at major stations?
Major stations like Surat, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru are under continuous monitoring to ensure smooth operations during the festive rush.
