"Indian Railways serves not merely as a vehicle with an engine and several coaches, but as a vital link that connects the emotional bonds of our laborers, farmers, soldiers, and millions of citizens who work far from their homes to their families and loved ones", said Sinha. 

To accommodate the crowds during festivals and special occasions, Indian Railways has to ensure appropriate arrangements for the comfortable stay, ticket acquisition, refreshments, and other needs of travelers arriving at the railway station, alongside operating trains. This effort is supported by not only railway officials and staff but also by voluntary organizations. The Indian Railway Administration has years of experience in transporting millions of passengers to their destinations.

As Jaya Verma Sinha, India's first female Chairman and CEO, mentioned, during the festive season, the railways ran 7700 special trains along with 170000 regular trips. On average, 7000-8000 passengers travel each day from Udhna railway station, which is an industrial hub near Surat. On November 4, this relatively small station experienced an influx of over 40000 people. The railway administration collaborated effectively and implemented proper arrangements to ensure passengers faced no inconveniences. The highest passenger traffic during the festival season was recorded at New Delhi station. On a single day during this period, 64 special trains and 19 unreserved trains were operated from this station alone, responding to passenger demand.

This year, on November 4, just before the major festival of Chhath, roughly 30 million people traveled by train to reach their destinations, and throughout the festival period, the railways facilitated travel for around 250 million passengers. In just a few days, more individuals utilized Indian trains than the entire population of Pakistan!

Indian Railways is consistently enhancing services with trains like Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat, which are equipped with modern technology and amenities, while over a thousand railway stations across the nation are being upgraded to Amrit stations. The evolving landscape of modern India is now reflected in the transformation of Indian Railways.

Source: Chief Public Relations Officer, North Western Railways, Ajmer Subdivision.