Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 28 (ANI): Western Railway (WR) is operating 200 special trains for the Diwali and Chhath Puja festive season. Of these, around 40 trains are managed by the Mumbai Division of WR, with 22 trains heading to destinations in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha, according to a press release issued by Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway.
The release stated that to accommodate passenger demand during Diwali and Chhath Puja, Western Railway is running 200 special trains this year. Of these, around 40 trains are operated by the Mumbai Division, including 22 trains to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The additional services are being monitored at divisional and headquarter levels and coordinated by senior officers. Similarly, train waitlists are checked daily in real-time. These special services are in addition to the regular trains operating on these routes, with additional coaches added to standard trains as per demand and availability.
WR is taking all possible measures to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely, with necessary arrangements in place. Notably, maximum staff deployment has been arranged at high-traffic stations such as Bandra Terminus, Surat, Udhna, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad to manage crowds. Western Railway has also imposed temporary restrictions on platform ticket sales at key Mumbai Division stations until 8 November 2024. These stations include Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra Terminus, Borivali, Vasai Road, Vapi, Valsad, Udhna, and Surat, aimed at controlling crowding and ensuring smooth movement within station premises. WR requests passengers to avoid overcrowding at stations and encourages only bonafide passengers to enter as per train schedules.
Vineet Abhishek stated that Western Railway has taken extensive precautionary measures and established arrangements to manage crowds effectively at these stations. At Bandra Terminus, a 370 sq. m holding area accommodating 600 passengers has been created in the East circulating area. Equipped with ample lighting, fans, water fountains, and toilets, this area is supported by a public announcement system to keep passengers informed of train schedules. This holding area minimises the number of passengers waiting on platforms and facilitates smooth boarding. Similar holding areas are available at Udhna and Surat stations, with an additional waiting area near Platform No. 4 at Surat Station.
Furthermore, 50 licensed helpers are deployed in two shifts between Surat and Udhna. Information banners and stands displaying details of special trains have been placed prominently. Checking staff are on duty around the clock at all entry and exit points at Udhna. Additional ticket counters and ATVM machines are operational in multiple shifts at Bandra Terminus, Surat, and Udhna to handle the increased passenger volume during Diwali and Chhath Puja. Extra shifts at ticket counters have also been implemented at Vapi and Valsad stations.
To manage crowds at platforms and entry/exit points, RPF and GRP personnel are on duty around the clock. These personnel are stationed at each coach gate to guide passengers. For enhanced management, holding areas are also set up at Surat and Udhna stations for early arrivals, with basic facilities like drinking water and sanitation. Entry to platforms is regulated to limit early access. Medical teams are on standby for emergencies, and frequent announcements are made to manage queues.
For trains bound for northern states, additional RPF and GRP personnel are deployed, especially in general and sleeper coaches, to facilitate a safe journey for passengers. Plainclothes CPDS (Crime Prevention and Detection Squad) teams from RPF and GRP are patrolling stations to monitor any suspicious activity and prevent theft. To keep crowds in check, CCTV monitoring is active 24/7 across stations, with dedicated staff overseeing crowd density and alerting field units if necessary.
Vineet added that Western Railway is making concerted efforts to publicise the special trains widely. Regular updates via Tweets, social media posts, and newspaper advertisements keep the public informed of additional train services. Ticket-checking staff, RPF, and GRP personnel are assisting passengers with information through the public announcement system. (ANI)
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