Wed Oct 22 19:48:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewrite as a news article:
Summary:
As millions of people travel from New Delhi to Bihar and other eastern states for Chhath Puja, the New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is managing peak traffic. Anticipating over seven lakh passengers, NDLS has implemented extensive measures, including deploying additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, operating special trains, and opening a new passenger convenience center. The station is focused on security, crowd control, medical readiness, and ensuring a smoother and safer journey for all passengers.
News Article:
New Delhi Railway Station Gears Up for Chhath Puja Rush, Expecting Over 7 Lakh Passengers
New Delhi, October 23, 2025: As the Chhath Puja festival approaches, New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is bracing for an unprecedented surge in passenger traffic. With over seven lakh people expected to travel to Bihar and other eastern states between October 25th and 28th, NDLS has implemented a comprehensive plan to manage the massive influx.
Station officials report the deployment of 850 Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, more than double the usual 360, to oversee the increased footfall. In addition to the 31 regular trains, twelve special trains and ‘clone’ trains will operate during peak hours to accommodate the heavy demand.
“We have learned from past incidents and have been working tirelessly for over a month to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience for all passengers,” said Rakesh Sharma, Station Manager at NDLS.
Security measures have been significantly enhanced. RPF personnel from neighboring states have been brought in to bolster the existing force. Platforms 1 and 16 are designated for passengers traveling to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, directing them through specific entry and exit points to ease congestion. A mini-control room is monitoring feeds from 297 CCTV cameras, enabling quick responses to potential crowd build-ups.
Medical readiness is also a priority. Medical teams with doctors, nurses, and support staff are stationed at the control room and first-aid booths. A comprehensive evacuation plan has been created, with ambulances and fire tenders on standby.
A newly constructed “Yatri Suvidha Kendra” (Passenger Convenience Center) is designed to improve crowd management. The center is divided into three zones: pre-ticketing, ticketing, and station entry. It houses 20 ticketing counters, 25 automated ticket vending machines, and provides amenities like drinking water and washrooms.
“This new facility will ensure orderly queuing, reduce congestion, and provide a safer, smoother journey for passengers,” said Santosh Kumar, Assistant Vice-President (projects) at DEC, the firm that built the Yatri Suvidha Kendra.
NDLS officials are confident that these measures will effectively manage the Chhath Puja rush and prevent any untoward incidents.