Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday reviewed the operation of summer special trains, as Indian Railways ramps up efforts to manage increased passenger traffic during the peak travel season.
At a meeting held in New Delhi, the minister assessed the progress of additional train services introduced to ease congestion and improve travel convenience across high-demand routes.
According to the Ministry of Railways, Indian Railways plans to operate 18,262 summer special train trips between April 15 and July 15, 2026. Of these, 11,878 trips have already been notified, while the remaining services will be announced in phases.
The large-scale deployment is aimed at enhancing connectivity and ensuring smoother passenger movement, supported by improved rake availability, optimised scheduling, and continuous monitoring of operations.
Special focus is being given to major railway hubs, including New Delhi Railway Station, Mumbai terminals such as Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Pune, Surat (including Udhna), Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru. Authorities are implementing crowd management measures and strengthening on-ground support to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.
At Udhna station in Surat, Western Railway has introduced real-time crowd management systems and enhanced passenger assistance. In one instance, Railway Protection Force personnel facilitated orderly boarding on the Udhna–Thave Tapti Ganga Express, ensuring safety and efficient seating arrangements amid heavy rush.
The Railways has also prioritised passengers travelling to their hometowns during the summer season, with improved boarding arrangements and station management practices.
The Ministry said the coordinated efforts reflect a proactive approach to handling peak-season demand, with a focus on safety, convenience, and seamless mobility for passengers across the country.
