Indian Railways Sets Record with 7,700 Special Trains for Puja Festival

Indian Railways, led by the East Coast Railway, has launched 7,700 special trains to manage the Puja festival rush. Enhanced safety and crowd management measures ensure a seamless travel experience, with over 65 lakh passengers transported via special trains during the peak period from October 1st to November 5th, 2024.

In a bid to accommodate the soaring demand for travel during the Puja festival, Indian Railways, under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) jurisdiction, has introduced an unprecedented number of special trains. This year, the railway authorities have taken significant steps to ensure safety and smooth transit for passengers, operating a record 7,700 special trains and implementing stringent crowd management protocols.

The festival season has seen Indian Railways intensifying its operations, markedly increasing the number of special trains from last year's 4,500. From October 1st to November 5th, 2024, these special services have facilitated travel for approximately 65 lakh passengers en route to popular destinations across India.

Special focus has been on key regions such as Bihar, East Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, with around 7.5 crore passengers utilizing both scheduled and special train services. The East Coast Railway's effective handling of operations is evidenced by its management of 657 special trains, transporting over 3.33 lakh passengers through its jurisdictions during this period.

ECoR has made significant improvements in its operations to manage the large passenger inflow efficiently. Additional ticketing counters have been installed outside major stations to prevent terminal overcrowding. Enhanced discipline in crowd movements has been achieved through a structured queue system and the strategic deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel.

Security measures are stringent, with approximately 50 RPF personnel coordinating closely with station staff to maintain orderly passenger movements, ensuring timely train departures. These enhancements have led to a seamless travel experience during the bustling Puja festival period.

(With inputs from agencies.)