Railways to Deploy 80 Standby Trains for Festive Rush at 60 Key Stations
New Delhi, 11th March 2025: To manage the heavy rush of passengers during major festivals like Holi, Chhath, and Diwali, the Indian Railways will keep around 80 special trains on standby at 60 high-traffic stations, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
During a discussion on the Railways (Amendment) Bill, Vaishnaw highlighted that a detailed crowd management strategy has been devised to prevent overcrowding. “We have taken a firm decision to sell tickets strictly based on the number of available seats in trains, ensuring there is no excessive crowding. Additionally, about 80 special trains will be stationed near these 60 identified locations. If there is a sudden spike in passengers, these trains will be deployed immediately to handle the demand,” he explained.
The Rajya Sabha later passed the bill, which aims to modernize railway operations across the country. The Lok Sabha had already given its approval in December 2024.
Addressing remarks made by Congress leader Vivek Tankha, who questioned whether a former bureaucrat should be leading the railway ministry, Vaishnaw responded firmly. “Yes, I acknowledge that I come from a bureaucratic and technical background, but my dedication to this role is unwavering. If you find any lack of commitment, then raise your concerns. Otherwise, you have no right to question it,” he asserted.
Tankha had earlier alleged that all key decisions in the railways are minister-driven, implying a lack of broader strategic input. Vaishnaw’s response reaffirmed his commitment to efficient governance and railway modernization.
