Ashwini Vaishnaw Reviews Festive Rail Operations as Over 1 Crore Passengers Travel Safely

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, visited the New Delhi Railway Station today to assess the on-ground arrangements made by Indian Railways during the ongoing festive season. The inspection was part of a comprehensive review aimed at ensuring safe, efficient, and comfortable travel for millions of passengers during the country's busiest travel period of the year.

Nationwide Effort by 12 Lakh Railway Employees

Addressing the media, Shri Vaishnaw commended the relentless efforts of 12 lakh railway employees who are working round the clock to ensure that passengers reach their destinations safely and on time. He revealed that over 1 crore passengers have already travelled on special trains arranged for the festive rush, reflecting Indian Railways' large-scale logistical preparedness and commitment to public service.

"Indian Railways employees are working day and night to ensure seamless journeys. Their dedication has made it possible for more than one crore passengers to travel safely this festive season," said the Minister.

Extensive Monitoring and Real-Time Coordination

The Minister noted that approximately 4.25 lakh passengers are departing daily from the Delhi region, with constant monitoring of major stations including Surat, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Each railway division and zone, he added, has established a "war room" for real-time coordination to swiftly address issues and ensure passenger convenience.

During his visit, Shri Vaishnaw toured the Railway Protection Force (RPF) Control Room, which oversees station-wide surveillance operations, and interacted directly with passengers to receive feedback on services. He also inspected the First Aid Room and met the medical team on duty to review emergency readiness.

Passenger Interaction and On-Ground Inspection

At Platform No. 16, Shri Vaishnaw met passengers aboard the Patna-bound Amrit Bharat Express, who expressed appreciation for the improved arrangements and on-time services. He also reviewed facilities at the Passenger Holding Area (यात्री सुविधा केंद्र) designed to manage heavy crowds efficiently.

Accompanying him were Railway Board Chairman and CEO Shri Satish Kumar, Northern Railway General Manager Shri Ashok Kumar Verma, and several senior officials.

12,000+ Special Trains Deployed Nationwide

To accommodate the surge in festive travel, Indian Railways is operating 12,011 special trains — a sharp increase from 7,724 in 2024. Between 1 and 20 October 2025, 4,211 special trains transported over 1 crore passengers, with an additional 7,800 special trains scheduled ahead of Diwali and Chhath.

In the New Delhi area alone, 21.04 lakh passengers were served between 16–20 October 2025, marking a notable increase of 1.33 lakh passengers compared to the same period last year.

Enhancing Passenger Comfort Across India

Indian Railways has significantly upgraded passenger facilities nationwide. These include:

• Dedicated holding areas and waiting spaces to manage crowds.

• Additional ticket counters and potable water stations.

• Clean, well-maintained restrooms and accessible amenities for elderly and differently-abled passengers.

A central War Room at Rail Bhawan is monitoring passenger movement across all zones, ensuring real-time updates and immediate response to congestion or complaints. More than 80 War Rooms operate at the board, zonal, and divisional levels, functioning as a unified command structure under Minister Vaishnaw's direction.

Innovations in Passenger Management

The Railways is adopting technological innovations to enhance efficiency. At Jaipur Station, tickets are being issued in holding areas via the Mobile Unreserved Ticketing System (M-UTS) to minimize crowding. In Vadodara Division (Western Railway), more than 30 lakh passengers have travelled since October 1 through five festival special trains operating on over 70 trips.

To ensure comfort, 5,000 water bottles were distributed at Udhna Station for waiting passengers, while stations like Thanjavur Junction provided air-conditioned retiring rooms for senior citizens — reflecting Indian Railways' focus on care-oriented services.

Combating Misinformation and Ensuring Transparency

With social media becoming a key information platform, the Railways has intensified efforts to counter misinformation. Officials have flagged and debunked over 40 misleading social media posts showing old videos of overcrowding falsely presented as current. FIRs have been filed against those deliberately spreading panic.

"We are maintaining full transparency and acting against misinformation. The Railways will continue to share verified updates through official channels only," a ministry spokesperson affirmed.

Human Stories of Dedication and Empowerment

The Railways' festive operations have also highlighted inspiring examples of service and empowerment:

• At Mysuru Station, a nursing room under Project Ayushman, built in collaboration with Ladies Circle India, offers mothers a safe and hygienic space for infant care.

• Lucknow City Railway Station became North India's first fully women-staffed station, managed entirely by a 34-member all-women team, exemplifying gender inclusivity and leadership in public service.

• At Palakkad Junction (Southern Railway), Dr. Jithin P. S., Divisional Medical Officer, performed an emergency jaw reduction procedure on a passenger minutes before train departure — showcasing the medical preparedness and commitment of railway staff.

A New Standard for Passenger Service

The massive festive operations of 2025 demonstrate how Indian Railways is evolving into a more responsive, tech-driven, and passenger-centric organisation. With enhanced coordination, modern facilities, and compassionate service, it is redefining the travel experience for millions.

As Minister Vaishnaw concluded, "Our Railways family is united in one mission — to make every journey safe, comfortable, and memorable. This festive season, Indian Railways stands as a symbol of service, trust, and national connectivity."