In anticipation of the heavy rush during the Diwali and Chhath festivals, South Western Railway (SWR) has rolled out a comprehensive crowd management plan to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable travel for passengers across its Bengaluru, Hubballi, and Mysuru Divisions. To meet the expected surge in demand, SWR will operate 136 special trains covering 338 trips, in addition to augmenting 540 extra coaches across 390 trips of regular services.

Strengthened Security and Surveillance

To maintain safety and order during the festive period, deployment of additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel has been made at major stations such as KSR Bengaluru, Bengaluru Cantonment, Yesvantpur, Mysuru, Hubballi, Davangere, Tumakuru, Hassan, Mandya, Hosapete, Ballari, Vijayapura, Gadag, Bagalkot, and Vasco Da Gama. Surveillance has been intensified through upgraded CCTV systems and baggage scanners, with standby power backups arranged to ensure continuous monitoring and security operations.

Enhanced Staffing and Passenger Guidance

To streamline passenger movement, extra commercial staff, officers, RPF personnel, and volunteers have been deployed at key locations. Dedicated help desks have been set up to assist passengers with information related to train schedules, directions, and ticketing. Prominent ‘Margadarshak’ signage has been displayed across major stations to guide passengers to platforms, elevators, foot overbridges, and essential amenities, facilitating easier navigation through busy areas.

Augmented Facilities and Emergency Preparedness

To manage the festive footfall efficiently, additional ticket counters have been opened and queue managers positioned at booking offices and general coach entry points. Medical teams have been stationed at important stations to handle emergencies promptly. To accommodate passengers on waitlists, extra coaches have been attached to several regular trains.

South Western Railway is committed to ensuring that passengers are able to travel comfortably and conveniently during the festive season. By operating additional trains for every major festival, we are not only meeting the surge in demand but also strengthening our mission to provide reliable and people-friendly services,” said the General Manager, South Western Railway.

Source/SWR