The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, November 6, 2026: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inspected New Delhi Railway Station to review passenger facilities, security arrangements and preparations for the increased rush during the Diwali and Chhath festive season.
During the visit, the Minister interacted with passengers to seek feedback on the facilities available at the station. According to the Ministry of Railways, passengers expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.
Vaishnaw said the festive period, which includes Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath, witnesses some of the highest passenger traffic every year. He emphasised that Indian Railways is continuously working to improve passenger amenities, enhance services and make journeys more convenient.
To manage the increased footfall, additional special trains have been arranged and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel have been deployed in greater numbers. The Railways has also installed an additional 700 AI-enabled cameras to strengthen surveillance and security. The Minister stressed that passengers should be able to reach their respective trains quickly and conveniently after arriving at the station.
New Delhi Railway Station now has a dedicated holding area for passengers travelling with reserved tickets, in addition to the facility for unreserved passengers introduced last year. A common holding area has also been created to streamline passenger entry and movement.
Luggage-checking facilities have been shifted outside the station building, allowing the space previously used for ticketing inside the station to be converted into a waiting area. Other arrangements include additional ticketing facilities, baggage screening, drinking water and clean washrooms at major stations.
These measures are aimed at reducing congestion, improving passenger movement and providing a more organised waiting experience before travellers proceed to their platforms.
Indian Railways reported a significant increase in passenger movement across major railway stations between October 1 and November 5, 2026, with a further rise during the peak period of November 1-5.
In Delhi, major stations including New Delhi, Old Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, Hazrat Nizamuddin and Sarai Rohilla collectively recorded approximately 2 crore passenger movements during the period. Average daily footfall, normally around 5 lakh, increased to nearly 8 lakh during the peak five days.
In the Mumbai region, Bandra Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus recorded approximately 1.5 crore passenger movements. Daily footfall rose from the usual 4 lakh to nearly 5 lakh during the peak period.
Railway stations in the Hyderabad region, including Secunderabad, Kacheguda and Charlapalli, recorded around 90 lakh passenger movements, with daily footfall increasing from approximately 2.5 lakh to 4 lakh.
In Bengaluru, stations including Bengaluru City, Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal, Yesvantpur and Yelahanka collectively registered approximately 1 crore passenger movements. Daily footfall increased from nearly 2.5 lakh to 3.5 lakh during the peak period.
Surat and Udhna railway stations together recorded around 50 lakh passenger movements, with average daily footfall rising from approximately 1 lakh to 1.6 lakh.
Indian Railways said it will continue to strengthen passenger amenities, security infrastructure and operational arrangements based on passenger feedback and experience. The measures are intended to ensure safer, smoother and more convenient journeys during the festive season.
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