To accommodate the surge in passenger demand during the Diwali and Chhath Puja festive season, Western Railway (WR) has announced the operation of 200 special trains this year. This initiative aims to facilitate travellers as they head to their hometowns and celebrate the festivals with family. Among these, approximately 40 trains are managed by the Mumbai Division, which includes 22 trains heading to key destinations in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.

Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, stated that these special services will run in addition to the regular trains already operating on these routes. The WR is committed to ensuring a smooth travel experience, with additional coaches added to standard trains based on demand and availability. Senior officers are closely monitoring train waitlists in real-time to accommodate passenger needs effectively.

Passenger safety

To enhance passenger safety and manage the increased foot traffic, Western Railway has implemented several measures. A maximum deployment of staff is arranged at high-traffic stations, including Bandra Terminus, Surat, Udhna, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad. Furthermore, temporary restrictions on platform ticket sales have been enforced at key Mumbai Division stations until November 8, 2024. This initiative aims to control crowding and ensure smooth movement within station premises, urging only genuine passengers to enter based on train schedules.

At Bandra Terminus, a 370 sq. m holding area has been established to accommodate up to 600 passengers. This area is designed with ample lighting, fans, water fountains, and toilets, alongside a public announcement system to keep passengers updated about train schedules. Similar facilities are also available at Udhna and Surat stations. Additionally, 50 licensed helpers are deployed in two shifts between Surat and Udhna, and information banners detailing the special trains are prominently displayed.

To further ensure passenger safety, Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel are on duty around the clock. Their presence is especially emphasised in general and sleeper coaches for trains bound for northern states. The RPF and GRP have also set up plainclothes Crime Prevention and Detection Squads to monitor for suspicious activity and prevent theft.

Enhanced ticketing facilities

In response to the increased passenger volume, Western Railway has enhanced ticketing facilities. Additional ticket counters and Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVM) are operational in multiple shifts at key stations. Medical teams are on standby for emergencies, and frequent announcements are made to help manage queues.

Vineet Abhishek highlighted that Western Railway is actively publicising the special trains through regular updates on social media and newspapers, ensuring that travellers are well-informed of the additional services available during this festive season.