Indian Railways Gears Up for Holi Rush: 250 Special Trains, Live Crowd Monitoring, and Enhanced Security

With Holi travel demand surging, Northern Railway has announced the operation of 250 special trains to accommodate passengers.

Every year, the festival of Holi witnesses a massive movement of people from northern, western, and southern states to eastern India, particularly Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. In a bid to improve their overall travel experience, Indian Railways is preparing to handle the gush of travelers by implementing a series of steps.

In 2024, Indian Railways operated 720 ‘Train on Demand’ services nationwide during Holi. This year, officials will monitor ticket sales, and crowd surges closely. Also, 250 special trains will be deployed, preventing excessive congestion. Below are the key measures being taken:

Real-Time Crowd Tracking for Better Management

A live monitoring system has been implemented to track crowd density and ticket sales in real-time. This allows railway officials to adjust train schedules, deploy additional security, and manage platform congestion proactively. Station managers and security personnel will have instant access to this data, enabling them to take preventive measures before stations become overcrowded.

Temporary Holding Areas at Major Stations

To regulate passenger movement and prevent overcrowding, temporary waiting enclosures will be set up at key hubs like New Delhi, Old Delhi, and Anand Vihar. These areas will be equipped with basic amenities and real-time travel updates, ensuring a smoother boarding process and reducing the risk of stampedes.

Regulated Platform Ticket Sales

Instead of suspending platform ticket sales entirely, the railways will dynamically adjust their availability based on real-time crowd levels. If congestion reaches critical levels, sales may be temporarily paused to prevent overcrowding while still allowing essential access.

Increased Security Deployment

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) will strengthen its presence at key stations, with extra personnel deployed at entry gates, platforms, and waiting areas. These teams will be trained in crowd control and emergency response to handle peak travel conditions efficiently.

With these proactive measures in place, Indian Railways aims to ensure a safe, smooth, and hassle-free journey for Holi travelers. Passengers are advised to book tickets early, arrive on time, and follow railway staff instructions to avoid last-minute confusion