Indian Railways Provides 26 Lakh Extra Berths To Cater To Festive Rush

Catering to the high demand, Indian Railways has have pressed into service 1,700 special trains, making available 26 lakh additional berths to ease travel during the festive rush.

According to the railways, these extra berths are added in addition to those available on regular trains across the rail network on account of Diwali and Chhath Puja.

"Approximately 26 lakh extra berths have been added for the convenience of passengers for the festival season," the railways said.

This is a regular exercise for the railways before Dussehra, Holi, Diwali, Chhat Puja and Christmas every year to facilitate passengers to avail train service during the festival season.

This time we have tried to ensure that these special trains reach the destinations on time, the railway official said.

Since the demand for train reservations is so high that it is becoming difficult for the people planning to reach home for the festivities to get a reserved berth. The special trains always help to accommodate the increased number of passengers to avail berths during the festival rush.

This year, we are operating about 1,700 special trains across zones to ease out the Diwali festival rush. Through the additional services, the railways has made additional berths available for travel.

The Northern Railway alone is operating 156 special trains, adding extra berth capacity of over 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 Railway and additional coaches have been provided in over 10 trains.

The railways have advised passengers to avoid carrying any inflammable materials, especially firecrackers during the train journey.

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.