New Delhi: With Diwali celebrations behind them, millions across India are now preparing for Chhath Mahaparva, a revered festival in the Purvanchal region. This annual migration sees thousands heading home from various states, and Indian Railways has mobilized extensive resources to manage the high demand. Each year, packed trains and congested platforms bear testament to the rush, with some travelers even resorting to precarious rooftop travel. This time, however, the Railways aims to ease the journey with a record number of special trains.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited New Delhi Railway Station on Friday evening, November 1, to oversee these preparations firsthand. He announced that in 2024, Indian Railways has deployed 7,435 special trains specifically to accommodate the Chhath travelers nearly double last year’s 4,500 trains. An additional 150 trains are ready to be added as needed, bringing this year’s total to nearly 7,600 special services. By Thursday, approximately 5.1 million people had already benefited from these special trains, a testament to the scale of the operation.
Enhanced Facilities and Infrastructure Across Key Stations
Special measures have been implemented across major stations, including hubs in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, New Delhi, and key points in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. These stations now feature dedicated holding areas equipped with fans, lighting, water, and sanitation facilities to handle the passenger influx outside station premises. New ticketing machines and expanded ticket counters have been set up to streamline travel, and additional boards provide real-time train schedules, helping travelers plan their journey efficiently.
In Delhi, the New Delhi and Anand Vihar stations have set up large pandals (covered areas) with essential amenities like drinking water, toilets, and seating. These covered spaces allow travelers to wait comfortably, even outside the crowded station buildings. Extra information boards and counters have been added to help passengers locate their trains, buy tickets, and navigate the bustling platforms smoothly.
