To ensure a hassle-free trip for train travellers during the festive season, Indian Railways has deployed over 150 special trains, covering a total of 712 trips across its network. With Diwali and Chhath festivals in mind, the national transporter has implemented various measures to facilitate a seamless journey for passengers returning to their hometowns.
List of steps for facilitation of seamless rail journey during ongoing festive season:
Provision of additional berths
To clear the extra rush of passengers during festive season, the national transporter is providing more than 14 lakh berths in the special trains. These berths are available in all the classes i.e. Sleeper Class, Third AC and Second AC.
Provision of reservation tickets
Recognizing the significance and emotional connection people have with the Chhath and Diwali festivals, the national transporter is well aware of their importance. In response to the unprecedented demand for rail tickets during this festive period, the railways has advised passengers to reserve their tickets at the earliest to ensure secure travel plans.
Augmentation of additional coaches
By way of augmentation of additional coaches, the railways is providing more than five lakh seats in regular trains. This will be beneficial for passengers by providing an opportunity for those on the waitlist to secure a confirmed ticket.
In addition to these, the railways has also taken several steps for crowd management at railway stations. These are are follows:
Security Arrangements
In a bid to ensure safety and security during the festive season, the national transporter has deployed additional RPF and RPSF personnel at several stations for proper security arrangements. It has also installed additional CCTV cameras, loud hailers, VHF sets and more for better communication.
Additional booking counters
The zonal railways has opened additional ticket booking counters at selected stations to ensure a swift ticket booking process. It also deployed additional ticket checking staff for the proper verification of tickets. Parcel booking was temporarily halted at New Delhi, Delhi Sarai, Delhi Main, and Anand Vihar during peak times.