New Delhi, October 14, 2024
During this festive season, Northern Railway is taking comprehensive measures to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for passengers. To accommodate the expected surge in demand, Northern Railway has implemented a robust action plan that includes:
It may be noted that Northern Railway in association with other zonal railways is operating more than 2,950 Festival special trains during the festival season from 01.10.2024 to 30.11.2024. Last year in the corresponding period a total number of 1,082 specials were arranged by Northern Railway, hence this year there will be an increase of appx 172% in comparison to last year. Out of the above 2950 trains, appx 83% Festival Specials will cater to the passengers of east bound state viz. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam etc. The town/cities such as Barauni, Samastipur, Saharsa, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Jainagar, Darbhanga, Jogbani, Patna, Kolkata, Guwahati, Howrah, Muzaffarpur, Katihar, Tatanagar, Lucknow etc are some of the popular destinations of these special trains from National Capital Region.
Northern Railway has made provision to run unreserved special trains to clear extra rush in case of need on real time basis.
Additional Trains and Coaches: A total of 52 extra coaches are being added to various trains, making 2740 trips and accommodating over 2.06 lakh passengers during the festive period.
Enhanced Passenger Facilities:
Strict measures are being implemented to prevent unauthorized entry into reserved coaches, curb the carrying of inflammable materials, and address issues like smoking and littering in trains and station premises.
Increased deployment of ticket checking staff and RPF personnel to manage crowds at FOBs, entry/exit points, platforms, booking offices, and other areas.
Designated holding areas are being created at important stations to prevent overcrowding at stations.
Special arrangements are being made for senior citizens, divyangjans, and ladies.
Adequate drinking water arrangements and well-maintained passenger amenities like waiting halls are being made.
Provision of PA and screens for information and entertainment etc.
Efficient Ticket Booking: Additional booking counters, reservation counters, and ATVMs are made available at convenient locations to facilitate easy ticket purchase. City wise ticket counters are also planned.
Availability of Food/Meals: Adequate counters for food/snacks/meals are operational at platforms. Janta Khana is also made available for passengers.
First Aid/Medical Arrangements: Railway Doctors and medical staff shall be deputed at Railway stations to provide first aid to passengers in emergency situation. Medical teams in Zonal and Divisional Headquarters are put on alert to deal with any emergency situation which requires medical care to passengers.
Regular Announcements: Timely announcements regarding the running of special trains and extra coaches are being made at stations. 360 degree information dissemination through all means including official social media platforms.
Smooth Operations: To ensure the smooth functioning of operations, Northern Railway has directed station authorities to avoid last-minute platform changes and has implemented marshalling of General Coaches at important stations. Dedicated platforms for festival special trains are being allotted.
Security: Deployment of additional RPF personnel including female staff at platforms and in trains to ensure safety of passengers. Manilla ropes to regulate the crowd at platforms are being used. RPF personnel are using Hand held loudspeakers to regulate the entry of passengers in GS coaches.
Control Centre: Railway Officers at various levels are instructed to closely monitor the arrangements from control centre at key stations to ensure a seamless passenger experience. Station Directors have been instructed to oversee the implementation of the plan at their respective stations.
Northern Railway is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free journey to all passengers during the festive season.
