Railways Minister Ashwin Vaishnaw recently conducted a detailed review of railway infrastructure and redevelopment projects in Aluva and Kozhikode, Kerala, as part of ongoing efforts to improve railway facilities across the region. His visit included an inspection by window trailing in Aluva, where he closely assessed various initiatives designed to enhance station services, passenger amenities, and overall infrastructure.

During his inspection, Vaishnaw examined the current at transforming railway stations into modern hubs that cater to the needs of growing passenger traffic. This redevelopment is part of a nationwide initiative to uplift infrastructure, aiming for state-of -the- art facilities to provide a seamless travel experience to passengers. Improvements in platforms, waiting areas, and accessibility are prioritized, with a focus on making the stations user-friendly for people from all walks of life.

The Minister’s review highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing both commuter convenience and station aesthetics.In a separate, tragic incident on Saturday, an express train struck four railway workers near Shoranur in Palakkad district , resulting in their deaths.

According to local police, the workers were hit by the train while conducting maintenance on the tracks, which raised concerns over worker safety. The railway authorities have expressed deep regret and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. Investigations are ongoing to understand the circumstances and to ensure preventive measures for worker safety. Amid the festive season, Miniter Vaishnaw also addressed arrangements being made to accommodate increased passenger traffic for Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival observed predominantly in North India.

 Recognizing the seasonal demand, he announced the operation of 7,435 special trains to facilitate-goers. In addition, Vaishnaw assured passengers that around 150 additional trains are on standby ready to be deployed should the demand continue to rise.

 

These special trains are part of the railways broader strategy to address the surge in passenger movement during the festive period, ensuring that people can travel to their hometowns and participate in Chhath Puja without disruption. The Minister emphasized that his team is prepared to monitor and respond to travel demands across various routes enabling safe and efficient journeys.