When it’s the festive season in India, no one likes to sit idle in one place. During this time, people across the country travel to their homes, visit relatives and friends, or take trips. Because of this, Indian Railways has seen a major rush of travellers this festive season, with over 1.5 crore people already travelling across the country — and the number is expected to rise by the end of the season. Keep reading for more details.
Train Travellers In Festive Season To Cross 2.5 Crore
In talks with The Hindu, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the number is expected to cross 2.5 crore by the end of the season. He highlighted how railway services have expanded over the years. He mentioned that Indian Railways has expanded significantly, from running 178 special trains in 2009 to operating over 13,000 today to manage the festive rush of passengers.
Increase In Trains To Meet Festive Travel Demand
The Ministry of Railways has scheduled 12,011 special train trips between October 1 and November 30. This averages about 196 trips per day to meet the festive demand. Officials told The Hindu that they have deployed all available coaches, including repaired ones, to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely and on time.
Every year during festivals like Diwali and Chhath Puja, millions of people travel to their hometowns. It has led to a sharp rise in train bookings. To handle this demand, the Indian Railways adds extra services, extends routes, and increases coach capacity. This year, special attention has been given to crowd management, safety, and comfort, especially at busy stations in North and Eastern India.
This festive season, where are you planning to travel? Tell us in the comments below!
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