Indian Railways to run 1,702 special trains for Diwali, Chhath
What's the story
In a major move, the Central Railway has announced the operation of 1,702 special trains for the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals. The initiative is aimed at helping passengers reach their destinations and celebrate these important occasions with their families. The special services will be available from key stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Pune, Kolhapur, and Nagpur.
Route details
Trains connecting UP, Bihar, WB and Northeast
The special trains will have over 800 trains serving routes to states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and those in the northeastern region. Other destinations across the country will also be connected by these services. Swapnil Nila, Central Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), said this initiative is part of their preparations for the upcoming festivals.
Passenger amenities
Central Railway takes steps to ensure passenger comfort
To ensure the comfort and safety of passengers during this festive season, the Central Railway has taken several steps. Holding areas with a capacity of over 3,000 passengers each have been set up at major stations. These areas are equipped with facilities like food, water, toilets, and fans. Mobile UTS services for ticket booking have also been introduced to reduce waiting times at stations.
Information integrity
Indian Railways warns against fake news
The Indian Railways has also announced strict action against social media handles spreading 'misleading' videos related to railway operations. This comes after some handles circulated old or misleading videos during the festive season, creating confusion among passengers. Over 20 such handles have been identified, and FIRs are being filed against them as part of a 24x7 social media monitoring mechanism.