Ashwini Vaishnaw reviews summer special trains as Indian Railways plans over 18,000 trips to ease peak rush
New Delhi: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday reviewed the operation of summer special trains as Indian Railways intensifies efforts to manage the surge in passenger traffic during the peak travel season.
During a meeting held in New Delhi, the minister assessed the rollout of additional train services aimed at reducing congestion and improving travel convenience on high-demand routes.
According to the Ministry of Railways, Indian Railways plans to run 18,262 summer special train trips between April 15 and July 15, 2026. So far, 11,878 trips have been notified, with the remaining services to be announced in phases.
The initiative is designed to boost connectivity and ensure smoother passenger movement through better rake availability, optimised scheduling, and continuous operational monitoring.
Special attention is being given to key railway hubs such as New Delhi Railway Station, Mumbai terminals including Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), as well as cities like Pune, Surat (including Udhna), Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru. Authorities are implementing crowd management measures and enhancing on-ground support to ensure a smoother travel experience.
At Udhna station in Surat, Western Railway has deployed real-time crowd management systems and strengthened passenger assistance. In one instance, Railway Protection Force personnel ensured orderly boarding on the Udhna–Thave Tapti Ganga Express, facilitating safe and efficient seating arrangements amid heavy rush.
The Railways has also prioritised passengers travelling to their hometowns during the summer season by improving boarding systems and station management practices.
The Ministry stated that these coordinated efforts reflect a proactive strategy to handle peak-season demand, with a strong focus on safety, convenience, and seamless mobility for passengers nationwide.
(DD News)
