Gupta said that Indian Railways is running trains based on passenger demand and is taking several measures to ensure a smooth travel experience. “Around 12,000 extra trains will be run by Indian Railways. I am reviewing all the holding areas prepared for the passengers. We are running trains on demand. Around 2,000 extra trains are planned to run on the Western Railways,” he said.
The General Manager also inspected the arrangements at railway stations across Gujarat to review the preparedness for the increased footfall. He said the focus was on maintaining safety, crowd management, and passenger comfort during the peak festive period.
Also read | Elaborate arrangements at Bihar stations to handle Chhath rush: Railways
Indian Railways has rolled out an extensive plan to manage the seasonal rush. In the past 21 days alone, 4,493 special train trips have been operated across the country, averaging 213 trips per day, to help people reach home in time for the Diwali festivities.
A press release stated that over a period of 61 days, from 1 October to 30 November, more than 12,000 special trains are being run across India to meet the festive travel demand. The initiative aims to ensure that every passenger enjoys a safe and comfortable journey during the busy season.
Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God, is celebrated with great devotion across India, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The four-day festival begins with Nahay-Khay on the Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, followed by Kharna on Panchami, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and ends with Usha Arghya on Saptami. This year, the festival will be observed from 25 to 28 October.
According to the Confederation of All India Traders, the 2025 Chhath Puja celebrations are expected to generate about Rs 38,000 crore in trade across the country, giving a substantial boost to the Indian economy.
Also read | Rekha Gupta inaugurates Chhath ghats across Delhi, promises grand festivities
Gupta said Western Railway and Indian Railways remain fully committed to providing passengers with a comfortable and safe journey during the festive season, with all necessary arrangements in place to handle the heavy rush.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
