Northern Railway Manages Record-Setting Festive Rush for Diwali and Chhath Puja

Northern Railway has successfully managed the unprecedented festive rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja, transporting a record 6 crore passengers across its network. In response to the surge in demand, the railway operated over 3,500 special trains to ensure seamless connectivity for millions of travelers.

This achievement is part of a broader effort by Indian Railways, which operated a total of 7,724 special trains across the country, facilitating the travel of 20 crore passengers during the festive season. Notably, Indian Railways set a remarkable milestone on November 4, 2024, with over 3 crore passengers traveling on that single day, surpassing the combined populations of Australia and New Zealand.

Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “We are proud to have successfully handled the massive festive rush, setting a new benchmark in passenger transportation. Our commitment to passenger safety and satisfaction remains unwavering. We will continue to strive for excellence in providing efficient and hassle-free railway services.”

To manage the festive rush, Northern Railway implemented a series of meticulous measures across stations and trains. Special mini control rooms were set up at key stations to monitor crowd movement in real-time. In addition to running special trains, unreserved trains were operated based on demand to ensure passengers were not stranded.

Key safety and crowd management measures included the creation of designated holding areas at major stations to prevent overcrowding on platforms. These areas were equipped with big screens for real-time train information, additional ticket counters and ATVMs, as well as RPF helpdesks. Extra personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), including female staff, were deployed on platforms and trains to manage the crowd and ensure order. Manilla ropes were used to regulate passenger movement, and loudspeakers were used to direct crowds entering general class coaches.

Strict security measures were enforced, including curbing unauthorized entry into reserved coaches, preventing the carrying of inflammable materials, and addressing issues like smoking and littering. Increased deployment of ticket checking staff and RPF personnel helped manage crowd movement at foot overbridges (FOBs), entry/exit points, and booking offices.

Northern Railway also ensured that passengers had access to food and refreshments during their travels, with Janta Khana and food counters set up at key stations. Timely announcements were made regarding the operation of special trains and additional coaches, and dedicated platforms were allocated for festival special trains to avoid last-minute changes.

Northern Railway’s proactive measures were key to ensuring smooth travel for millions, with the railway’s dedicated staff working tirelessly to deliver a safe, efficient, and hassle-free experience for passengers during the peak festival season.