The Railways is operating over 1,500 special trains across zones to ease out the Diwali festival rush. Through the additional services, Railways has made additional 26 lakh berths available for travel.
A Railways official told PTI that the additional services are being operated to ease the heavy rush of passengers on account of Diwali and Chhath Puja. "Approximately 26 lakh extra berths have been added for the convenience of passengers," the official told the publication. The extra berths are in addition to those available on regular trains across the network, he added.
The Northern Railway alone is operating 156 special trains, adding extra berth capacity of 15 lakh seats. “156 special trains will make 776 trips with more than 15 Lakh extra seating capacity to accommodate the festive rush,” Northern Railway tweeted.
According to railway officials, 60 special trains are being operated by Southern Railways and additional coaches have been provided in over 10 trains.
Besides the special trains, Railways has also provided additional coaches in existing services to accommodate the festival rush. Railways have advised passengers to avoid carrying any inflammable materials, especially firecrackers.
Railway officials conducted special awareness among passengers at railway stations and in trains. Awareness pamphlets were distributed and baggage scanners have been installed at stations to avoid the transportation of hazardous materials.
