Indian Railways to deploy 18,000 special trains for festive season

Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw disclosed details of the special train arrangement during the forthcoming festival season, highlighting the railways' commitment to managing increased passenger demand during India's peak travel periods.

The ministry plans to operate 18,000 special trains across the network, a substantial jump from the 12,000-plus services deployed during the previous year's festival season. This expansion aims to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic typically witnessed during Diwali and Chhath celebrations when millions of Indians undertake journeys to visit family and participate in festivities.

In addition to the enhanced train services, the railways have integrated modern surveillance infrastructure to ensure passenger safety and security. The deployment includes 700 AI-enabled cameras across the rail network, representing the ministry's push toward technology-driven railway operations and improved monitoring capabilities.

The dual initiative reflects the railways' strategy to balance capacity expansion with safety enhancement during peak travel seasons. By combining increased train frequency with advanced surveillance systems, authorities aim to provide both convenience and security for the anticipated surge in passenger movements across India's vast rail network during the festive period.