In a move to manage crowd surges during the festive season, which includes Holi, Chhath Puja, and Diwali, among others, the Railway has devised a new plan to keep several trains on standby at some of the busy railway stations across the country.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday informed Rajya Sabha that around 80 passenger trains will be kept on standby at 60 identified stations during festive occasions to manage crowd surges. The Minister further said that a strict ticketing policy will be enforced.

Replying to the debate on Railways (Amendment) Bill, the Railway Minister said, “We have taken the tough decision to sell tickets as per the number of seats in trains so that there is no crowding. Moreover to meet the demand, around 80 special trains will be kept at nearby locations of these 60 stations so that in case of sudden surge in passengers these can be used to transport people,” he added.

Speaking on the recent train accidents and stampede at New Delhi station, Vaishnaw said that the government has been taking all possible measures to prevent such mishaps. 

It is worthwhile to mention that the railway has been taking various measures to prevent train accidents as part of its commitment to modernizing railway operations.

The expansion of the railway network, renewal of tracks, installation of Kavach (anti-collision system for trains), and recruitment of manpower are being done by the railway on a priority basis, the Minister said.