Ahmedabad's key railway stations are on heightened alert ahead of the Diwali and Chhath Puja festive season, with more than 110 additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel deployed across Ahmedabad, Sabarmati, and Asarva stations to manage the anticipated passenger surge. The Ahmedabad Division has also planned the installation of 60 additional CCTV cameras at Ahmedabad station to expand its existing surveillance network.

Senior Official Inspects Security Arrangements

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Ved Prakash on Thursday personally inspected Ahmedabad and Sabarmati stations alongside railway officials and representatives of the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) and the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). The inspection covered passenger movement flows, entry and exit arrangements, dedicated waiting areas, holding zones, and overall security infrastructure.

During the walkthrough, Prakash also interacted directly with passengers to inform them of the arrangements in place. He instructed staff to remain on high alert and directed officials to ensure all crowd management measures were fully operational before the peak travel period sets in.

Special Trains Deployed for North India Travel

The division has also pressed into service special trains running primarily towards North India, targeting passengers travelling to Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh — states that see the highest volume of festive homebound travel during Chhath Puja. This move reflects the Railways' recognition that the Ahmedabad hub serves as a critical transit point for migrant workers and families heading home.

Multi-Agency Coordination on the Ground

Beyond the additional RPF contingent, personnel from the Government Railway Police (GRP), the commercial department, and civil defence have been stationed at all three stations. Officials and employees have been assigned round-the-clock duties to monitor crowd conditions and respond promptly to any emergencies. A coordinated action plan involving the RPF, GRP, commercial department, and traffic police has been prepared by the railway administration.

Surveillance Network and Infrastructure

More than 240 CCTV cameras are already installed across Ahmedabad and Sabarmati stations, with the entire premises monitored continuously through dedicated control rooms. The proposed 60 additional cameras at Ahmedabad station will further strengthen the network once installed.

Prakash also reviewed the ongoing redevelopment work at Sabarmati station and issued directives to ensure construction activities do not disrupt passenger movement or cause inconvenience during the festive rush. Special waiting and holding areas have been earmarked at major stations to regulate passenger flow and prevent congestion. With peak travel days still ahead, authorities say all arrangements will be kept under continuous review.