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Railway Minister's Festive Promise: 12,000 Special Trains Amid Overcrowding Rumors

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally visited Anand Vihar Terminal to review passenger arrangements during the festive rush. He confirmed that Indian Railways has operated approximately 12,000 special trains to manage the high passenger volume. The minister strongly dismissed social media rumors about overcrowding and mismanagement at railway stations. Special arrangements include real-time monitoring control rooms and enhanced security deployment across major terminals.

Key Points: Vaishnaw Inspects Anand Vihar, Denies Overcrowding Amid Festive Rush

  • Railway Minister inspected Anand Vihar Terminal amid festive passenger surge
  • Over 12,000 additional train services operated for Diwali-Chhath travel
  • Control rooms monitor train movements in real-time at major stations
  • 600 security personnel deployed including RPF and CORAS commandos
2 min read

12,000 special trains operating, stop overcrowding rumours, appeals Railway Minister Vaishnaw amid festive rush

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assures 12,000 special trains for Diwali-Chhath travel, dismisses social media rumors about overcrowding at major terminals.

"Some misleading and old videos are being circulated to create confusion. I request everyone to avoid spreading such misinformation. - Ashwini Vaishnaw"

New Delhi, Oct 19

In view of the heavy festive rush on trains ahead of Diwali and Chhath, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday visited the national capital's Anand Vihar Terminal to review passenger arrangements and interacted with officials and passengers, while urging the civil society and opposition parties not to create any rumours on social media on overcrowding and mismanagement.

As millions of people travel to their hometowns during the festive season, the Railways Minister said Indian Railways has made "special arrangements” to handle the surge and ensure safe, comfortable travel".

Addressing reporters after the on-ground inspection, Vaishnaw said: "Every year during Diwali and Chhath, a large number of passengers travel to their native places. This time too, a high passenger surge is being witnessed across major terminals in the country. To manage this, around 12,000 additional train services have been operated.”

He also interacted with several passengers at the terminal, who reportedly appreciated the arrangements.

Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar, Delhi Division DRM Pushpesh R. Tripathi, Northern Railway GM Ashok Verma, and ASC Chetan Jichkar were also present during the inspection.

Verma briefed the media about a dedicated “war room” mechanism.

"Control rooms have been set up at every major station to monitor train movements in real time. Decisions regarding platform allocation and departure clearances are being taken instantly to avoid crowd build-up," he said.

On security arrangements, Jichkar informed that over 600 personnel, including RPF, RPSF, CORAS commandos and dog squads, have been deployed to maintain strict vigilance and crowd control.

A special holding area has been set up outside Anand Vihar station, where passengers can wait comfortably before boarding.

The Railway Minister personally inspected the station premises, mini control room and CCTV surveillance setup to assess preparedness.

The minister also dismissed reports circulating on social media about overcrowding and mismanagement and urged the civil society and political parties, especially the opposition, not to create any rumours.

"Some misleading and old videos are being circulated to create confusion. I request everyone to avoid spreading such misinformation. The situation is fully under control and all passengers are being managed systematically," he said.

The minister also conveyed his greetings to 12 lakh railway employees working round the clock and wished passengers a safe journey home for the festivities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the efforts, the ground reality at some stations is still chaotic. Saw videos from Howrah station that show massive crowds. Hope the arrangements reach all stations equally.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently between Mumbai and Pune, I've noticed significant improvement in crowd management this festive season. The holding area concept is brilliant!
A
Arjun K
12,000 special trains is impressive! But what about ticket availability? Many of us still struggling to get confirmed tickets despite these measures. The real test is whether common people can actually book tickets easily.
M
Michael C
The war room mechanism and real-time monitoring sounds like a professional approach. Hope this becomes standard practice for all major Indian festivals. Safety should always be priority number one.
N
Nisha Z
Respect to the 12 lakh railway employees working tirelessly! They are the real heroes during festival season. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
V
Vikram M
The minister is right about misinformation. Saw some old videos being shared as current situation. People should verify before sharing anything on social media. Let's support our railways during this challenging time.

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