Northern Railway Handles Record Passenger Rush
Northern Railway operated 22 special trains on 1st March 2026, with approximately 3.36 lakh passengers departing from Delhi, marking an 18% increase compared to last year. Over the past five days, around 14 lakh passengers traveled from the Delhi area. Special arrangements at Anand Vihar Terminal included designated holding areas, help desk booths, catering stalls, and additional ticket counters to streamline passenger movement.
Continuous monitoring of crowd conditions ensures passenger safety, while social media feedback indicates high satisfaction with these arrangements. Northern Railway plans to run 22 more special trains on 3rd March 2026 to manage ongoing travel demand.
South Central and Western Railway Ensure Smooth Festive Travel
South Central Railway (SCR) operated 26 special trains between 21st February and 2nd March 2026, carrying over 50,000 passengers. SCR implemented announcements, real-time train information via display boards, and assistance at stations. ATVMs and the Rail One App were promoted for ticketing, while RPF personnel ensured effective crowd management at platforms and onboard trains.
Western Railway facilitated 23,03,445 passengers over three days, including 20,000 departures from Udhna station on 1st March. Nearly 3,000 bottled water packets were distributed at Udhna to provide comfort amid heavy rush and heat, earning public appreciation for the service-oriented approach.
Central, North Western, and Eastern Railways Maintain Safety and Efficiency
Central Railway managed significant passenger turnout with well-organized queue systems at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, ensuring a safe and smooth journey. North Western Railway ran record special trains with enhanced crowd control and 24/7 monitoring, prioritizing safe, hassle-free travel.
Eastern Railway staff, alongside RPF personnel, coordinated the festive rush at Howrah Station, providing seamless boarding assistance for passengers traveling to Samastipur and other destinations.
East Central Railway Strengthens Passenger Experience
East Central Railway focused on safe, smooth, and comfortable travel by operating special trains and augmenting services on key routes. Passengers, including students, working professionals, and daily wage earners, benefited from confirmed seats, reduced congestion, and reliable connectivity across major cities and regional centers.
Comprehensive Measures Ensure Passenger Satisfaction
During Holi 2026, Indian Railways operated 1,244 special train trips across zones, with potential expansion to 1,500 trips if required. Measures included dedicated holding areas, ATVM deployment, bottled water distribution, real-time monitoring in war rooms, and round-the-clock staff presence. These steps collectively ensured efficient, safe, and passenger-friendly services throughout the festive season.
Indian Railways continues to monitor passenger demand closely, reaffirming its commitment to safe and seamless travel during peak travel periods.
