In Festive Spirit: Indian Railways Boosts Crowd Control and Passenger Services

As the festive season sweeps across India, millions of travelers are packing their bags to reunite with families and loved ones. In a country where trains are often the most affordable and convenient mode of travel, the Indian Railways faces the annual challenge of managing an enormous surge in passengers. Rising to the occasion, the Railways has introduced a comprehensive plan that includes enhanced crowd control systems, expanded passenger amenities, and thousands of special train services to handle the seasonal rush efficiently.

The focus this year is not just on transporting passengers but ensuring that every journey is safer, more organized, and more comfortable. From deploying crowd management staff at key stations to creating large holding areas outside station premises, Indian Railways is using every available tool to manage the festive traffic with precision.

Massive Travel Movement from the National Capital

According to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, more than 10 million passengers have already traveled from the national capital region on special trains during this festive period. On an average day, over 4.5 lakh passengers depart from Delhi via Indian Railways, highlighting the scale and significance of its operations.

While reviewing passenger amenities and monitoring arrangements at New Delhi Railway Station, Vaishnaw appreciated the dedication of railway staff and emphasized the importance of keeping safety and punctuality as top priorities. The minister noted that the Railways has successfully coordinated multiple zones to ensure the smooth functioning of trains even under peak demand conditions.

“Every festive season brings immense joy but also logistical challenges,” Vaishnaw said. “We are taking proactive steps to make sure that no passenger faces inconvenience during this time.”

12,000 Special Trains to Meet Festive Demand

This year, the Railways has scheduled an impressive 12,000 special train services connecting major routes across the country, particularly between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. These routes experience the heaviest movement during Diwali and Chhath Puja, when lakhs of people travel home for celebrations.

In addition to these, around 150 unreserved trains have been kept on standby to accommodate unexpected last-minute demand. This flexible approach allows the Railways to introduce additional services on short notice when stations witness sudden crowd surges.

These special trains are projected to carry between 20 to 30 million passengers over the festive period — a remarkable logistical operation that requires the collaboration of thousands of staff members, coordination among multiple railway zones, and round-the-clock monitoring.

Comparing with Last Year’s Efforts

In the previous financial year, the Railways operated 7,724 special trains during the October–November window. The jump to 12,000 this year underscores not only the growing travel demand but also the Railways’ improved capacity and readiness to serve the public better.

Railway officials stated that many of these new trains will run on high-demand routes such as Delhi–Patna, Mumbai–Varanasi, Kolkata–Lucknow, and Chennai–Howrah. These additional services are designed to ensure that passengers from every region have accessible travel options during the festive season.

Advanced Crowd Control and Access Management

Beyond operating more trains, Indian Railways is implementing modern crowd management techniques at major stations. Large holding areas have been created outside stations to prevent overcrowding within the platforms. These holding zones are equipped with seating arrangements, drinking water facilities, and display boards showing real-time train information.

To maintain order and ensure security, access control systems are now active at around 60 high-footfall stations across the country. Only passengers holding confirmed reserved tickets are permitted to enter platform areas. Ticket verification is being conducted at entry gates to prevent ticketless travelers from contributing to overcrowding.

Regular announcements, signage, and visual cues have been deployed to guide passengers to correct queues and boarding points. This systematic approach helps manage large groups efficiently, reducing chaos and confusion during peak hours.

Monitoring Through Real-Time Control Rooms

Minister Vaishnaw personally inspected the control room at New Delhi station, which oversees station operations through hundreds of CCTV cameras. The control room provides live footage of passenger movement across platforms and waiting areas, enabling staff to take quick action in case of congestion or emergencies.

During his visit, the minister interacted with passengers waiting at platforms and also spoke to travelers on the Amrit Bharat Express to gather direct feedback. Many commuters praised the Railways’ increased focus on safety, cleanliness, and timely updates.

Such inspections and passenger interactions are becoming regular practices, ensuring that feedback loops between authorities and travelers remain active and responsive.

Enhanced Passenger Facilities and Cleanliness Drives

Recognizing that long queues and extended waiting times are inevitable during festivals, Indian Railways has stepped up passenger comfort measures. At key junctions, temporary shelters, additional seating, and food counters have been installed. Water vending machines and sanitation staff are working round-the-clock to maintain hygiene standards.

Many stations, particularly those included under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, have upgraded their lighting systems, signage, and ticket counters. These small but significant improvements contribute to an overall smoother experience for passengers, especially those traveling with families or senior citizens.

Cleaning teams have also been instructed to ensure that platforms, restrooms, and waiting halls remain spotless, even with high footfall. The ministry has emphasized the need to maintain cleanliness as a matter of national pride during festive celebrations.

Security and Coordination with Local Authorities

Safety remains a key concern during large gatherings. To ensure smooth and secure operations, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has deployed extra personnel at all major stations. Coordination between the RPF, Government Railway Police (GRP), and local law enforcement agencies has been strengthened to manage crowds, prevent thefts, and address any untoward incidents.

Emergency medical facilities and helpdesks have also been set up to respond to health issues or travel queries. Passengers can reach out via toll-free helpline numbers for immediate support, and mobile medical teams are being deployed at select junctions to handle emergencies.

Technology Integration for Better Passenger Experience

The Railways is leveraging technology to enhance transparency and passenger convenience. Real-time updates about train timings, platform changes, and delays are now accessible through the official IRCTC app and station display boards. Automated digital announcements are helping reduce confusion, while SMS alerts are being sent for special train departures.

Several stations have begun testing QR-based entry systems that allow ticket verification through mobile scanners. This digital transition not only speeds up entry but also reduces manual errors and waiting time.

Officials say such tech-driven improvements will gradually be introduced at all major stations, ensuring a more modern and efficient travel experience for every passenger.

Festive Spirit and Public Cooperation

Despite the challenges of handling millions of travelers, the festive energy remains high. Railway staff across India are working tirelessly—often in double shifts—to assist passengers. Volunteers and customer service agents have been stationed at entry points and ticket counters to guide people, particularly the elderly, women, and children.

Railway authorities have also appealed to passengers to cooperate by arriving at stations early, carrying valid tickets, and following queue protocols. This cooperation plays a vital role in maintaining order during such large-scale operations.

Passengers interviewed at various stations expressed gratitude toward the Railways for the improved management compared to previous years. Many said that despite the heavy rush, the system felt more organized, and staff were more responsive to queries and complaints.

Long-Term Vision: Smarter and Safer Rail Travel

While these measures are primarily designed for the festive rush, they also align with the Railways’ long-term modernization plan. The ministry is investing heavily in station redevelopment, track upgrades, and semi-high-speed trains such as the Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Express series.

These initiatives aim to transform the passenger experience, enhance capacity, and promote sustainable travel. By combining infrastructure upgrades with crowd management best practices, Indian Railways envisions a future where even high-traffic seasons are handled seamlessly.

Conclusion

This festive season once again highlights the critical role of the Indian Railways as the lifeline of the nation. From bustling metros to rural junctions, trains continue to connect millions of people, helping them celebrate togetherness, culture, and joy.

By deploying additional trains, improving crowd management, and embracing technology, the Railways has shown that large-scale travel need not mean chaos. Instead, with planning, innovation, and cooperation, even the biggest festive rush can be managed efficiently and safely.

— Report by Indian Railway News Desk | Updated October 2025