India's festival rail travel set on fast track

Railways to run 12,000 special trains during Diwali and Chhath

- DHRUVAKSH SAHA

With the festival season already here and record crowds expected to travel, the Ministry of Railways has increased its target of special festival trains to 12,000 this year, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday.

“Since there’s a track construction record of over 4,000 kilometres (km) every year, along with steady locomotive and coach production, this year we have set a target of 12,000 special trains during Diwali and Chhath Puja,” Vaishnaw said in a media interaction in the national capital.

Last year, 7,724 special trains were operated by Indian Railways, which experienced high footfall at stations during the festival season. This year, the railways is aiming for a seamless experience for travellers during Diwali and Chhath Puja.