Indian Railways Sets New Record with Over 3 Crore Passengers in a Single Day on November 4, 2024
In an impressive feat of efficiency, Indian Railways recorded a historic milestone by transporting more than 3 crore passengers on November 4, 2024, marking the highest single-day passenger figure in the railway network’s history. The massive surge in passengers was part of the ongoing festive travel rush, driven by the celebrations of Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja.
Record-Breaking Day for Indian Railways
On November 4, Indian Railways carried a total of 120.72 lakh non-suburban passengers—comprising 19.43 lakh reserved passengers and 101.29 lakh unreserved non-suburban passengers. In addition, the suburban traffic hit a record 180 lakh passengers, making it the highest number of passengers ever recorded in a single day in 2024. This landmark achievement highlights the role of Indian Railways in facilitating the safe and efficient movement of millions during peak festive seasons.
Surge in Special Trains During Festive Season
Over the last 36 days, from October 1 to November 5, 2024, Indian Railways has demonstrated its commitment to meeting the increased demand during the festive period. The railways operated 4,521 special trains, transporting a total of 65 lakh passengers. These special trains helped manage the heavy rush and ensured smooth travel for passengers during the high-traffic festive periods.
This year, Indian Railways has announced an expansion in its services to accommodate the festive demand. A total of 7,724 special trains have been scheduled for the October 1 to November 30, 2024 period, marking a 73% increase compared to the 4,429 special trains operated last year. These additional services played a pivotal role in helping passengers travel comfortably to their festive destinations.
Managing Chhath Puja Return Rush
As the Chhath Puja celebrations conclude, Indian Railways is gearing up for the return rush, expected to peak around November 8, 2024. To cater to the returning passengers, Indian Railways has scheduled a substantial number of special trains, ensuring smooth travel for the thousands of people returning from festive destinations.
From November 8 to November 11, 2024, Indian Railways will run the following special trains to manage the Chhath Puja return rush:
- November 8, 2024: 164 special trains
- November 9, 2024: 160 special trains
- November 10, 2024: 161 special trains
- November 11, 2024: 155 special trains
These special trains will operate across key railway divisions, particularly in the Samastipur, Danapur, and other divisions, based on regional demand. The return rush for Chhath Puja is expected to begin in full force after sunrise on November 8, with trains departing from key stations to cater to the high volume of travelers.
Record Passenger Traffic to Bihar, Eastern UP, and Jharkhand
A significant portion of the passenger traffic during the festive period was directed towards Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, with approximately 6.85 crore passengers traveling to these regions between October 1 and November 5, 2024. The number of passengers traveling to these states alone is more than twice the combined populations of countries like Australia and New Zealand. This surge in demand underscores the importance of Indian Railways in connecting major regional hubs during the festival season.
A Commitment to Efficiency and Passenger Comfort
To ensure passengers’ convenience, Indian Railways has made several provisions during this peak period. These include:
- Increased train services: The surge in special trains has ensured ample seating and standing room for passengers.
- Enhanced crowd management: Additional staff, security personnel, and volunteers have been deployed at stations to manage the large crowds and maintain order.
- Real-time monitoring: Special control rooms have been set up to monitor train punctuality, track delays, and ensure seamless coordination between stations and divisions.
Indian Railways’ efforts are a testament to its dedication to providing hassle-free travel during peak seasons. With the ongoing Chhath Puja return rush, the railways are prepared to continue offering robust services, ensuring that passengers can travel to their destinations comfortably and safely.
Conclusion
Indian Railways continues to lead the way in ensuring smooth transportation during high-demand periods like the festival season. With over 3 crore passengers transported in a single day and a record number of special trains running throughout the festive period, the railways have set a new standard for operational efficiency and passenger care. The efforts of Indian Railways during this year’s festive season reflect its commitment to serving the nation and facilitating smooth, efficient, and safe travel for millions of Indians.
