Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directed officials to make thorough preparations for crowd management, especially at railway stations, for the upcoming Chhath festival, when millions are expected to travel from Delhi to their hometowns.
The Chief Minister reviewed arrangements at New Delhi Railway Station and enquired about expected footfall and passenger management from railway officials, according to an official statement.
She interacted with passengers on several platforms, listened to their concerns, and instructed officials to ensure smooth travel for all. She emphasised coordination between departments to prevent overcrowding and maintain hygiene during the peak travel period. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Members of Parliament, including Manoj Tiwari, and senior officials from the Delhi and Railway administrations. She also inspected the newly built Passenger Facilitation Centre, a key part of the festive preparedness plan.
“This is a government that stands at the service of the public 24×7,” the Chief Minister said after the inspection. “The Delhi Government, in collaboration with the Central Government, is working to ensure passengers face no obstacles in their journeys,” she added.
The facilitation centre, completed in just three months, serves thousands of passengers daily under one roof. It offers ticketing counters, waiting areas, clean washrooms, safe drinking water, and designated spaces for women, senior citizens, and differently-abled passengers. Officials said the centre helps reduce long queues and makes travel more convenient for families and elderly commuters.
The Chief Minister said that several special trains have been introduced to help people return home for Diwali and Chhath Puja. She called the new centre a “symbol of the government’s commitment to public convenience, safety, and culture.” A new foot overbridge has also been opened at the station to manage passenger movement more efficiently. The bridge separates incoming and outgoing traffic, which railway officials say will help prevent bottlenecks during peak hours.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure proper lighting, cleanliness, and security at all entry and exit points. She also instructed them to deploy additional personnel for crowd control and to assist passengers, especially during late-night train departures. “These facilities are not just amenities but reflections of the government’s sensitivity and dedication to citizens’ comfort,” she said.
As millions prepare to travel from the capital to their hometowns, the Delhi government has intensified coordination with railway authorities, civic bodies, and emergency services to handle the surge. Extending festive greetings to the people of Delhi and across the country, the Chief Minister wished for “happiness, prosperity, and harmony for all” and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to ensuring safe and pleasant journeys for every traveller.
