Vijayawada railway division of the South Central Railway (SCR) achieved an unprecedented milestone on October 4 by transporting a total of 5.5 lakh passengers in a single day, generating revenue of ₹5 crore. Of these, 2.8 lakh were outward passengers, marking the highest single-day footfall in the operational history of the division.
The exceptional surge in passenger numbers coincided with the post-Dasara travel rush, reflecting both seasonal mobility and growing public trust in Indian Railways. SCR officials implemented proactive measures to manage the peak traffic efficiently, including opening 25 additional booking and reservation counters at key stations and deploying 72 Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) with operators working round-the-clock. Divisional Railway Manager officials highlighted that careful planning and deployment of resources ensured smooth handling of passenger traffic, minimising inconvenience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The record demonstrates the operational capabilities of Vijayawada division, reaffirming its status as a critical hub in the national rail network.
Stations across the division, including Vijayawada, Eluru, Bhimavaram, Rajahmundry, Machilipatnam, and Narsapur, experienced significant passenger inflow, with trains bound for Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and other major cities reaching full capacity by Sunday afternoon. Observers noted that the combination of ticketing infrastructure, real-time monitoring, and staff coordination contributed to the division’s ability to maintain service quality despite heavy congestion. SCR officials also emphasised the importance of technological interventions, such as ATVMs, to reduce manual queues and promote digital transactions. This approach not only facilitated smoother passenger movement but also aligned with sustainable practices by reducing paper ticketing and human resource strain during peak periods.
The record underscores broader trends in urban and regional mobility, highlighting how railways serve as a critical backbone for sustainable mass transit. With increasing passenger volumes, SCR Vijayawada’s performance demonstrates a successful model of operational efficiency, crowd management, and technological integration. Experts note that such planning and responsiveness are crucial in maintaining public confidence in the railways while reducing potential stress on urban transportation infrastructure. While the record-setting day reflects operational success, officials also acknowledged the continuing challenges of peak-time management, particularly during festival seasons. Measures such as additional counters, ticket vending automation, and dedicated staff deployment are likely to be sustained and expanded to accommodate growing passenger demand.
As Vijayawada division sets new benchmarks in passenger transport, the achievement not only showcases Indian Railways’ capacity but also emphasises its evolving role in promoting equitable, reliable, and sustainable urban mobility across the region.
Vijayawada Division Sets Record Transporting Five Lakh Fifty Thousand Passengers Daily
