National, April 24: Indian Railways plans to operate 18,262 special train trips between April 15 and July 15, 2026, to manage the seasonal surge in passenger demand and ease congestion on key routes, the Ministry of Railways said on Friday.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed preparedness in New Delhi, focusing on deployment strategies, scheduling efficiency and crowd management systems. The initiative is aimed at strengthening connectivity across high-demand corridors during the summer travel period.
Of the total planned services, 11,878 special train trips have already been notified, with the remaining to be announced in phases. Officials said the rollout is supported by improved rake availability, tighter scheduling and continuous operational monitoring.
Major stations expected to witness heavy passenger traffic include New Delhi, Mumbai—covering Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Pune—along with Surat (including Udhna), Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. Authorities said additional staff deployment, real-time monitoring and on-ground coordination are being implemented to regulate passenger flow at these hubs.
At Udhna station, Western Railway has introduced measures such as guided boarding, increased personnel presence and enhanced inter-departmental coordination to manage crowds more effectively. These steps are intended to reduce congestion and ensure orderly passenger movement.
Special arrangements are also in place for travellers heading to their hometowns, with a focus on smoother boarding procedures. On Train No. 19045 Udhna–Thave Tapti Ganga Express, personnel from the Railway Protection Force assisted passengers during boarding to prevent overcrowding.
The ministry said the large-scale deployment reflects a structured response to peak travel demand, adding that efforts will continue to ensure safe, efficient and reliable journeys throughout the summer season.
