Indian Railways is operating around 18,000 special trains during this year’s festive season, an increase from approximately 12,000 services during the corresponding period last year. The services cover passenger demand associated with Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

The Railways has established holding areas at some of the busiest stations to manage crowds and improve passenger movement. New Delhi, Udhna in Surat and Anand Vihar Terminal are among the stations where additional arrangements have been made for the festive rush.

The holding areas at New Delhi and Udhna can each accommodate around 20,000 people at a time. They include toilets and air circulation systems, while ticket counters have been shifted into the areas so passengers can access services without moving through heavily congested station spaces.

Vaishnaw said passenger arrangements were being improved annually to respond to sustained demand during the festive period. The Railways is also carrying out redevelopment work at 1,300 stations across the country, with around 400 projects completed so far.

The redevelopment programme is intended to prepare stations for passenger requirements over the next 50 years by increasing capacity and incorporating local architectural features. Designs are being adapted to regional traditions, including the architectural styles associated with Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The minister said the work was being carried out without halting train operations because railways remain a vital mode of transport in the country. Construction is being undertaken with an emphasis on safety and continuity of rail traffic. Vaishnaw also visited Govind Dev Ji Temple in Jaipur during his visit.