Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw today undertook a comprehensive inspection of New Delhi Railway Station to review passenger facilities, security arrangements and preparations for managing the increased rush during the Diwali and Chhath festive season. During the visit, he also interacted with passengers to seek their feedback on the facilities, with passengers expressing satisfaction over the arrangements made at the station.
Shri Vaishnaw stated that the festive season, which includes Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath, witnesses the maximum passenger rush every year. He said that Indian Railways is making continuous improvements every day to enhance passenger facilities, improve services and provide greater convenience to travellers.
The Union Minister said that additional special trains and enhanced deployment of Railway Protection Force personnel have been arranged to manage the increased passenger movement. Additional 700 AI cameras have also been installed to strengthen surveillance and security. He further emphasised that special attention is being given to ensure that passengers can reach their respective trains in the shortest possible time after arriving at the station.
बेहतर भीड़ प्रबंधन के लिए रेलवे स्टेशनों पर 700 से अधिक AI कैमरे लगाए गए हैं और प्रमुख स्टेशनों पर विशाल होल्डिंग एरिया बनाए गए हैं: माननीय रेल मंत्री श्री @AshwiniVaishnaw जी https://t.co/lRHNNOBJkc
Indian Railways is undertaking extensive efforts to facilitate passenger movement and improve travel arrangements during the festive season. These include dedicated holding facilities, additional ticketing arrangements, baggage screening, drinking water facilities and clean washrooms at major stations. The arrangements are aimed at providing passengers with a more organised and comfortable travel experience during periods of heavy rush.
Improved Holding Area Arrangements at New Delhi Railway Station
At New Delhi Railway Station, a dedicated holding area has been created for passengers travelling with reserved tickets, in addition to the facility for unreserved passengers introduced last year. A common holding area has now been created to streamline entry and passenger movement. Facilities for luggage checking have also been shifted outside the station building. As a result, the space previously used for ticketing inside the station has been converted into a comfortable waiting area. These arrangements help reduce congestion, simplify passenger movement and provide a more convenient waiting experience before passengers proceed to their respective platforms.
Significant Passenger Footfall Across Major Railway Stations
Delhi's major railway stations, including New Delhi (NDLS), Old Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT), Hazrat Nizamuddin and Sarai Rohilla, recorded approximately 2 crore passenger movements during the period 1 October-5 November 2026. Against the usual average of nearly 5 lakh passengers per day, the average daily footfall increased to approximately 8 lakh during the peak period of 1-5 November 2026.
Major railway stations in the Mumbai area, including Bandra Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), collectively recorded approximately 1.5 crore passenger movements during the period 1 October-5 November 2026. The usual average daily passenger footfall of nearly 4 lakh increased to approximately 5 lakh during the peak period 1-5 November 2026.
Railway stations in the Hyderabad area, including Secunderabad, Kacheguda and Charlapalli, registered approximately 90 lakh passenger movements during the period 1 October-5 November 2026. The usual average daily footfall of nearly 2.5 lakh rose to approximately 4 lakh passengers per day during the period of peak 1-5 November 2026.
Railway stations in the Bengaluru area, including Bengaluru City, Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVB), Yesvantpur and Yelahanka, collectively recorded approximately 1 crore passenger movements during the period 1 October-5 November 2026. The usual average daily passenger footfall of nearly 2.5 lakh increased to approximately 3.5 lakh during the peak period of 1-5 November 2026.
Surat and Udhna railway stations collectively recorded approximately 50 lakh passenger movements during the period 1 October-5 November 2026. The usual average daily passenger footfall of nearly 1 lakh increased to approximately 1.6 lakh during the peak period of 1-5 November 2026.
Indian Railways continues to focus on improving passenger amenities, strengthening security infrastructure and introducing operational improvements based on experience and passenger feedback. These efforts are directed towards ensuring safe, convenient and hassle-free journeys during the festive season.
Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Ritu Raj/ Vanshita Jaiswal