According to a statement from the Ministry of Railways, 138 special trains have been scheduled, encompassing 650 trips that have been proposed and greenlit. Out of these, 244 trips have been officially announced so far. The ministry further indicated that special train operations have been organized across nine railway zones in anticipation of heavy passenger traffic.
Western Railway has received the largest allocation, featuring 26 special trains accounting for 226 approved trips, of which 72 are already announced. Central Railway is scheduled to operate 18 special trains with 118 approved trips, 76 of which are now available to passengers.
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South Central Railway has scheduled 26 trains for 34 approved trips, with 26 trips announced to date. South East Central Railway will run 12 trains covering 82 approved trips, including 24 that have been notified. South Western Railway has arranged 20 trains with 42 approved trips, of which 28 have been announced.
In the northern and north-western regions, North Western Railway will operate 14 trains for 72 approved trips, with six trips announced so far, while Northern Railway has organized 18 trains with 66 approved trips, eight of which have been revealed.
Meanwhile, North Eastern Railway has suggested two special trains covering six approved trips, although none have been announced yet. Northeast Frontier Railway has planned two trains with four approved trips, all of which are already notified.
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Railway officials believe the additional services will offer essential relief during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, assisting passengers in reaching their destinations more comfortably during the festive holidays.
Additionally, Western Railway has established its first digital lounge and co-working area, which started operations recently at Mumbai Central Railway Station, officials reported on December 17.
Spanning an area of 1,712 square feet, the digital lounge will offer comfortable seating, modular workstations, dedicated conference and meeting rooms, and flexible spaces for video conferencing for passengers, they noted.
“The digital lounge aims to cater to business travelers, professionals, and remote workers, addressing the evolving needs of today’s passengers,” said Vineet Abhishek, chief public relations officer of Western Railway.
Situated at the main line concourse of Mumbai Central station, the digital lounge is projected to generate approximately Rs 3.20 crore in revenue over a five-year period, contributing to non-fare revenue initiatives, officials mentioned.
