Western Railway’s Special Trains for Diwali and Chhath Puja
Western Railway (WR) is running 200 special trains for the Diwali and Chhath Puja festive season. Of these, 40 trains are managed by the Mumbai Division, with 22 heading to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. This initiative, announced by Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of WR, aims to meet the increased passenger demand during the festive period.
Managing Passenger Demand
To ensure smooth operations, WR is monitoring services at divisional and headquarter levels. Additional coaches are added to regular trains based on demand. Maximum staff deployment is arranged at high-traffic stations like Bandra Terminus, Surat, and Ahmedabad to manage crowds.
Temporary Measures and Facilities
Temporary restrictions on platform ticket sales are in place at key Mumbai Division stations until November 8, 2024, to control crowding. Holding areas with basic amenities are set up at Bandra Terminus, Udhna, and Surat stations to facilitate smooth boarding. Additional ticket counters and ATVM machines are operational to handle increased passenger volume.
Safety and Security
RPF and GRP personnel are on duty around the clock to manage crowds and ensure safety. CCTV monitoring is active 24/7, and plainclothes CPDS teams patrol stations to prevent theft. Medical teams are on standby for emergencies.
Public Awareness
WR is publicizing the special trains through social media, newspaper ads, and public announcements to keep passengers informed. Ticket-checking staff and security personnel assist passengers with information.
Doubts Revealed
Western Railway -: Western Railway is one of the zones of Indian Railways. It operates trains in the western part of India, including states like Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Diwali -: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India. It involves lighting lamps, bursting fireworks, and sharing sweets.
Chhath Puja -: Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, mainly celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. People offer prayers to the setting and rising sun.
Mumbai Division -: The Mumbai Division is a part of the Western Railway zone that manages train operations in and around Mumbai, one of India’s largest cities.
RPF -: RPF stands for Railway Protection Force. It is a security force in India responsible for protecting railway passengers and property.
GRP -: GRP stands for Government Railway Police. They are responsible for maintaining law and order on railway premises and trains.
CCTV -: CCTV stands for Closed-Circuit Television. It is a system used for monitoring and recording activities in a specific area for security purposes.
