Indian Railways has significantly increased the number of special trains this year. As millions of Indians travel home to celebrate Chhath Puja, Diwali, and other festivities, the railways have stepped up operations, running over 7,700 special trains across the nation between October 1 and November 30, 2024—a 73% jump from last year’s 4,500 special trains.
Western Railway (WR), a major contributor to this effort, has alone introduced nearly 900 special trains to facilitate travel to northern states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. In addition, over 9,275 regular trains have been augmented with extra coaches to accommodate the surging demand. According to WR’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Vineet Abhishek, these steps reflect an increased commitment to ensuring safe and accessible journeys for passengers, with additional services introduced specifically to ease congestion and support the seasonal rush.
The data underscores the high demand for rail travel during this season. From October 1 to November 12 alone, over 33 lakh passengers travelled northbound from Western Railway, highlighting the importance of railways as an essential service connecting families and communities. Notably, on November 4, 2024, Indian Railways recorded its highest single-day passenger count of the year, with more than 120 lakh travellers across India, including 20 lakh reserved and over 100 lakh unreserved passengers.
Western Railway has implemented several strategic measures to improve travel experiences for passengers. Besides increasing the number of special trains, WR has deployed additional staff and amenities at key stations to assist passengers returning from their festive destinations. According to Vineet Abhishek, the aim is to offer passengers smooth travel options to major hubs across the region, ensuring they reach their families without the worry of overcrowded trains or unavailability of tickets.
For Indian Railways, these figures reflect not only the significant increase in passenger volume but also the enduring importance of trains as an affordable and accessible mode of transport. The year-on-year increase highlights the extensive logistical planning undertaken by Indian Railways to address passenger needs while managing infrastructure and workforce constraints. As WR strives to meet the needs of an ever-growing number of festive travellers, it also illustrates the railways’ role in shaping the shared experiences of millions.
