New Delhi: Indian Railways has stepped up arrangements to manage the expected rush of passengers during the Diwali and Chhath festivals. To ensure smoother travel and better crowd control, the Railways is operating 18,000 special trains, increasing Railway Protection Force (RPF) deployment and installing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered cameras at important railway stations.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared details of these preparations during an inspection of passenger holding areas at New Delhi Railway Station yesterday evening. He highlighted the growing passenger numbers during the festive season and explained how technology and improved station facilities are being used to manage the rush.
Indian Railways Deploys 18,000 Special Trains for Diwali and Chhath
The Railways has arranged 18,000 special trains to accommodate the additional demand for travel during the festive period. Extra Railway Protection Force personnel are also being deployed to maintain security and help manage large crowds at railway stations.
According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, New Delhi Railway Station handles more than five lakh passengers on a normal day. During peak periods, however, the number can increase to approximately eight lakh passengers.
Considering this significant rise in passenger movement, the Railways has introduced additional arrangements to prevent overcrowding and make passenger movement more organised.
More Than 700 AI Cameras Installed at New Delhi Railway Station
Technology is also playing an important role in the Railways’ crowd-management strategy. More than 700 AI-enabled cameras have been installed at New Delhi Railway Station to monitor passenger movement and support better crowd control.
These cameras are expected to help railway authorities observe crowd patterns and manage passenger movement more effectively, particularly during busy festival days.
The Railway Minister also highlighted the introduction of separate passenger holding areas for people travelling with reserved and unreserved tickets. The arrangement is intended to improve convenience and reduce congestion inside the station.
New Yatri Suvidha Kendra and Holding Areas for Passengers
Indian Railways has introduced dedicated holding facilities at New Delhi Railway Station to organise passenger entry and movement.
A separate waiting area has been established for passengers with reserved tickets. This facility complements the holding area for unreserved passengers, which was introduced last year.
The station has also developed a common holding area to help regulate passenger entry and maintain a smoother flow of people.
In another important change, luggage inspection facilities have been shifted outside the main station building. This arrangement is aimed at reducing congestion within the station premises and making movement easier for passengers.
Similar Arrangements at Major Railway Stations
The Railway Minister said that comparable passenger-management facilities have also been established at several major railway stations across the country that experience heavy passenger traffic during the festive season.
Through additional special trains, increased security deployment, AI-based monitoring and dedicated holding areas, Indian Railways is working to manage the Diwali and Chhath rush more efficiently.
These arrangements are intended to improve passenger convenience, reduce overcrowding and ensure smoother movement at busy railway stations during the festival period.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information shared by the Ministry of Railways and official statements regarding festive travel arrangements. Train operations, passenger facilities and security arrangements may vary by station and route. Passengers are advised to check the latest updates through official Indian Railways channels before travelling.