14 Lakh Travel via Northern Railway for Holi

• 14 lakh passengers travelled via Northern Railway in five days
• 3.36 lakh departures from Delhi area on March 1 alone
• 1,244 Holi Special train trips planned, may rise to 1,500
• Western Railway moves over 23 lakh passengers in three days

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd March: Indian Railways has facilitated the travel of millions of passengers heading home for Holi, operating record special services and deploying enhanced crowd management measures across zones to ensure smooth and safe journeys.

Delhi Sees Massive Rush
Under Northern Railway, around 14 lakh passengers travelled from the Delhi area over the last five days. On March 1 alone, nearly 3.36 lakh passengers departed from Delhi, marking an 18% rise compared to the corresponding pre-Holi period last year.

A total of 22 special trains originated from major Delhi stations on March 1, with another 22 planned for March 3. Authorities have maintained continuous monitoring at key stations, particularly for passengers travelling towards eastern India.

At Anand Vihar Terminal, designated holding areas, help desks, catering stalls and additional ticket counters were set up to regulate passenger flow and minimise inconvenience.

Western Railway Moves 23 Lakh in Three Days
Western Railway reported movement of over 23 lakh passengers between February 27 and March 1. On March 1, nearly 20,000 passengers departed from Udhna station alone.

To ease travel amid rising temperatures, around 3,000 bottled drinking water packets were distributed at Udhna, drawing appreciation from passengers.

Special Trains Across Zones
Across the country, 1,244 Holi Special train trips are being operated between February 25 and March 18, with the number likely to increase up to 1,500 depending on demand.

South Central Railway announced 195 special trains during the festive period. Between February 21 and March 2, 26 special trains carried over 50,000 passengers, with nine trains operating on March 1 and 2 alone.

Central Railway implemented dedicated queue systems and enhanced crowd control at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Eastern Railway ensured regulated movement at Howrah station, while East Central and North Western Railways strengthened surveillance and security.

Tech and Safety Measures
Railways deployed Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), electronic display boards, mobile app-based ticketing, real-time monitoring war rooms and increased Railway Protection Force personnel to manage the surge.

Special emphasis was placed on safe boarding and de-boarding, punctual train operations and continuous public announcements to avoid confusion.

Railway officials said the coordinated efforts across zones have ensured confirmed seats for common passengers, including workers and students, reducing congestion on regular services.

With extensive planning and round-the-clock supervision, Indian Railways continues to prioritise safe, efficient and passenger-friendly travel during the festive rush.