Charni Road Station Sees Surge of 800,000 Devotees During Ganesh Visarjan

Around 800,000 devotees utilized Charni Road Station during the Ganesh Visarjan festivities in 2025, according to the Western Railway’s Mumbai division. The station, located near Chowpatty in the Girgaon area of South Mumbai, serves as a key transit point for devotees participating in the immersion of Ganesh idols, marking the conclusion of the ten-day festival.

To accommodate the influx of passengers, Western Railway implemented special arrangements at Charni Road Station. The railway reported that services operated smoothly over the weekend, with no disruptions recorded. This year, the station experienced a significant increase from its usual daily footfall of approximately 46,000 passengers.

Enhanced Services and Security Measures

In response to the surge in activity, Western Railway deployed six pairs of additional night train services, amounting to 12 extra services with added stops. This initiative aimed to maximize coverage for those attending the immersion ceremonies. Over 300 security personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) were stationed at the site to maintain order throughout the busy weekend.

An official statement highlighted that strict directional movement was enforced on the platforms. Separate entry and exit gates were established to streamline passenger flow. Furthermore, 25 additional ticket-checking staff were on duty, ensuring efficient management of ticket sales. In addition, 24 booking counter shifts operated along with 11 Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) to facilitate the high volume of travelers.

Facilities and Safety Protocols

To bolster passenger support, all eight catering units at the station remained operational around the clock. A medical booth, staffed with two ambulances, was also available on-site to address any emergencies. The station’s security was further enhanced with the installation of 52 CCTV cameras monitoring the premises to ensure safety during the festivities.

Maintaining cleanliness was a priority, with toilet blocks undergoing intensive and continuous cleaning. Senior railway officers supervised the overall arrangements from both the station and the control office, ensuring all operations ran efficiently.

Overall, the Western Railway’s strategic planning and execution allowed Charni Road Station to handle an overwhelming number of passengers effectively. The successful management of 376 UP and 435 Down trains during the immersion festivities underscores the railway’s commitment to passenger safety and satisfaction.