Indian Railways to Run 7,000 Special Trains for Festive Season

Indian Railways has announced a major initiative to facilitate travel during the upcoming festival season. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared that the Railways will operate 7,000 special trains to accommodate the rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja. This will help ease travel for around 2 lakh extra passengers every day.

Festival Special Trains

The special train services will begin during Diwali, which starts on October 28, and continue through Chhath Puja, which begins on November 5. According to the Western Railway, 2,602 trips of 73 pairs of special trains will be run for these festivals. These trains will depart from various major locations such as Mumbai, Surat, Udhna, Ahmedabad, and Vadodara, heading toward different destinations across India.

Northern Railway’s Contribution

As a large number of people travel to the eastern parts of the country during this time, Northern Railway will also operate several special trains. According to a recent report, Northern Railway plans to run around 3,050 special trips, ensuring passengers can reach their destinations without hassle.

Comparison with Last Year

Last year, Indian Railways operated 4,500 special trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja. This year, in response to the growing demand, the Railways has significantly increased the number of special trains to cater to the larger passenger base.

Railway Expansion Projects Approved

In related news, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two major railway projects with a total estimated cost of Rs. 6,798 crore. These projects will cover eight districts in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar, adding approximately 313 kilometers to the existing railway network. This expansion is aimed at improving connectivity and further enhancing the capacity of Indian Railways.

Also read: Diwali 2024: A Festival Celebrated in Different Ways Across India

With the addition of 7,000 special trains and new projects in the pipeline, Indian Railways is all set to make travel easier and more convenient during the busy festive season. This move is expected to significantly reduce congestion and ensure smooth travel for passengers across the country.