On November 4, 2024, Indian Railways set a remarkable record, transporting over 3 crore passengers in a single day, according to the Ministry of Railways. This unprecedented milestone underscores the organization’s capacity and commitment to meet India’s transportation needs, especially during peak festival seasons.
Key Passenger Numbers on November 4, 2024
- Non-suburban passengers: 120.72 lakh, including 19.43 lakh reserved and 101.29 lakh unreserved.
- Suburban passengers: 180 lakh.
- Total passenger count: Over 3 crore, marking the highest single-day passenger count of 2024.
Massive Travel Demand for Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand
Between October 1 and November 5, around 6.85 crore passengers traveled on Indian Railways to states like Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. This massive figure reflects the railway’s crucial role during major festivals and highlights the scale of transportation provided by Indian Railways.
Special Trains to Manage Festive Rush
To manage the increased passenger traffic during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, Indian Railways ran 4,521 special trains between October 1 and November 5, accommodating 65 lakh additional passengers. This proactive effort facilitated comfortable travel for passengers journeying to their hometowns for celebrations.
To further meet the demand, Indian Railways announced 7,724 special trains from October 1 to November 30, marking a 73% increase compared to last year’s services.
Preparing for the Return Journey Post-Festivals
With the end of Chhath Puja, Indian Railways is preparing for a return rush beginning on November 8. To accommodate returning travelers:
- 164 special trains will run on November 8, with additional trains on November 9, 10, and 11.
- Following November 8, Indian Railways has scheduled 160 trains for November 9, 161 for November 10, and 155 for November 11.
These steps aim to manage congestion, ensure a comfortable journey, and meet the travel needs of millions returning to their homes.
