Devanjana Mukherjee, Khabri Media
The special trains are not just a means of transportation but a bridge that unites families, boosts local businesses, and facilitates tourism.
Pic: Social Media
Festivals are an integral part of Indian culture. They bring people together, foster a sense of belonging, and offer an opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions that make India unique. It is a time of joy, celebration, and family reunions. It is also a time when millions of people travel across the country to be with their loved ones, partake in religious festivities, or simply explore new destinations.
Whether it’s Diwali, Eid, Durga Puja, Christmas, or any other festival, people embark on journeys to spend time with their families or seek blessings at religious events. Recognizing the need for efficient and convenient transportation, Northern Railways has come to the rescue by introducing 34 special trains to cater to the surging demand during the festive season.
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These special trains will be a welcome relief for passengers, as they provide additional options for reaching their destinations, reducing overcrowding on regular trains and making the journey more comfortable. Passengers can now book their tickets with greater ease and have a better chance of securing a seat, while the Indian Railways will see an increase in revenue.
It will make 377 trips — 351 towards the eastern part of the country and 26 towards the northern region — between October 18 and December 11. Besides these 34 trains, additional coaches will be added to the existing 69 trains, and, in all, the Northern Railway will create 5.5 lakh additional berths and seats considering the increase in passenger movement during the festive season.
Pic: Social Media
The Northern Railway has advised prospective passengers to get details of the special trains from its social media handle, official website, and inquiry offices. Railway stations will have to open special ticket windows and operationalize all existing windows to avoid long queues at booking counters.
Apart from that, passengers can book their tickets through various methods, including online portals, ticket counters at railway stations, or mobile apps. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during the festive season, to secure a seat.
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The special trains also play a pivotal role in empowering remote regions of the country. Many areas, especially those situated in hilly terrains or far-flung locations, are connected to the rest of the country primarily through the railways.
The special trains provide these regions with enhanced connectivity, allowing residents to travel to more accessible urban centers, fostering economic growth, and promoting social integration. It not only stimulates tourism but also supports the local economy.
Festivals often come with increased shopping and dining, and the local businesses, hotels, and restaurants near railway stations are beneficiaries of the increased footfall.
