Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted a comprehensive inspection of New Delhi Railway Station to review passenger facilities, security arrangements, and preparations for managing increased passenger rush during the Diwali and Chhath festive season. The minister interacted with passengers who expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made at the station.
Indian Railways has implemented several measures to handle the festive rush, including additional special trains, enhanced deployment of Railway Protection Force personnel, and installation of 700 additional AI cameras to strengthen surveillance and security. A dedicated holding area has been created for passengers with reserved tickets, complementing the existing facility for unreserved passengers introduced last year. Luggage checking facilities have been shifted outside the station building, and the previous ticketing space has been converted into a comfortable waiting area to reduce congestion and simplify passenger movement.
Passenger footfall data reveals significant increases across major railway stations during the period October 1 to November 5, 2026. Delhi's major stations (New Delhi, Old Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and Sarai Rohilla) recorded approximately 2 crore passenger movements, with daily footfall increasing from the usual average of nearly 5 lakh to approximately 8 lakh during the peak period of November 1-5.
Mumbai area stations (Bandra Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) collectively recorded approximately 1.5 crore passenger movements, with daily average increasing from nearly 4 lakh to approximately 5 lakh during the peak period. Hyderabad area stations (Secunderabad, Kacheguda, and Charlapalli) registered approximately 90 lakh passenger movements, with daily footfall rising from nearly 2.5 lakh to approximately 4 lakh. Bengaluru area stations (Bengaluru City, Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal, Yesvantpur, and Yelahanka) recorded approximately 1 crore passenger movements, with daily average increasing from nearly 2.5 lakh to approximately 3.5 lakh. Surat and Udhna stations collectively recorded approximately 50 lakh passenger movements, with daily footfall rising from nearly 1 lakh to approximately 1.6 lakh during the peak period.
The arrangements include dedicated holding facilities, additional ticketing arrangements, baggage screening, drinking water facilities, and clean washrooms at major stations, aimed at providing passengers with a more organized and comfortable travel experience during periods of heavy rush.