Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday conducted an on-ground inspection at New Delhi Railway Station to assess passenger arrangements amid the ongoing festive season, as Indian Railways continues large-scale operations to manage heavy travel demand.
Speaking to the media after the visit, Vaishnaw said over 12 lakh railway employees were working round the clock to ensure that passengers reach their destinations safely and on time. He added that Indian Railways had operated 4,211 special trains between October 1 and 20, catering to more than one crore passengers. Another 7,800 special trains are planned to clear the anticipated Diwali and Chhath rush.
The Minister visited the RPF Control Room, First Aid Room, and interacted with passengers of the Patna-bound Amrit Bharat Express on Platform 16. He also inspected a dedicated holding area set up for passenger convenience and reviewed arrangements to handle peak-hour congestion.
During the inspection, Vaishnaw was accompanied by Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar, Northern Railway General Manager Ashok Kumar Verma, and other senior officials.
Delhi area alone is handling an average of 4.25 lakh passengers daily during the festive period. Between October 16 and 20, 21.04 lakh passengers were facilitated—an increase of over 1.3 lakh compared to the same period last year.
A dedicated War Room at Rail Bhawan is monitoring passenger movement in real time, alongside similar setups across all zones and divisions. The system enables real-time responses to congestion, complaints, and emergencies, ensuring streamlined operations. Vaishnaw and top officials have been regularly visiting the War Room to oversee coordination.
Across the country, stations have been equipped with additional ticket counters, potable water facilities, clean washrooms, and dedicated holding areas to enhance passenger experience. Notably, mobile ticketing through the M-UTS app is being used at stations like Jaipur to reduce queues and ease crowd management.
In Vadodara Division of Western Railway, more than 30 lakh passengers have travelled since October 1 through a mix of regular and festival special trains. Over 5,000 water bottles were distributed at Udhna station alone to support peak-time travelers.
Railways officials also cited an instance from Thanjavur Junction where elderly passengers accessed air-conditioned retiring rooms for rest during odd hours—highlighting the ministry’s focus on service quality.
At Mysuru Railway Station, Indian Railways has launched a nursing room under ‘Project Ayushman’, offering mothers a safe and hygienic space during transit. The facility is equipped with air-conditioning, privacy features, and clean amenities.
In another initiative, Lucknow City Station has been converted into North India’s first fully women-operated railway station. A 34-member all-women team now manages operations—from ticketing to patrol duties—under a North Eastern Railway initiative aimed at promoting gender inclusion.
Recounting an incident at Palakkad Junction, officials highlighted how a railway doctor successfully treated a young passenger’s dislocated jaw on the platform just before train departure, underlining the preparedness of medical teams during peak travel periods.
Meanwhile, the Railways has also taken steps to counter misinformation circulating on social media. Officials said over 40 instances of misleading or outdated visuals related to crowding were identified and flagged in recent days. FIRs have been lodged against those responsible, and passengers have been advised to rely on official communication channels.
Passengers across stations—including Prayagraj, Valsad, Visakhapatnam, and Sambalpur—have expressed satisfaction over the arrangements, noting smoother journeys and improved facilities even in unreserved coaches.