Major Announcement by Railways: 214 Special Trains to Operate 2,044 Trips for Chhath

With lakhs of people heading home for Chhath Puja, the Railways has devised a 'mega plan' to ensure a smoother journey for passengers, aiming to prevent overcrowding and pushing/shoving at railway stations.

In anticipation of the surge in passengers traveling home for the grand Chhath festival, the Railways has made special arrangements. The North Eastern Railway has decided to run 214 special trains, which will complete a total of 2,044 trips. The objective is to ensure that those traveling home for the festival face minimal inconvenience and can reach their destinations safely.

During Chhath, lakhs of people working in Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities return to their homes in Bihar and the Purvanchal region. This leads to significant crowding at railway stations and on trains. Keeping this in mind, the Railways has not only introduced extra trains but has also enhanced facilities at the stations.

Tight Security at Stations

To ensure passenger safety during the festive period, personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) have been deployed. The Bihar Police is also assisting with security arrangements. Furthermore, continuous monitoring is being conducted via CCTV cameras installed at the stations, allowing for immediate action in the event of any suspicious activity.

According to Sumit Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer of the North Eastern Railway, a large number of people travel home for the Chhath festival. In light of this, the Railways has arranged for additional trains and essential passenger amenities.

Heavy Crowding on Regular Trains

Despite the operation of special trains, regular trains are also witnessing heavy passenger congestion. For instance, the Bagh Express—which runs from Kathgodam to Howrah via Gorakhpur and Siwan—is also experiencing significant overcrowding. The situation is such that many passengers are forced to travel while standing near the train doors and restrooms. As the train arrived at the station, RPF and GRP personnel took charge of the situation; they ensured that passengers disembarking could exit safely and managed the boarding process for those getting on the train.

A Special Appeal to Passengers

Due to the surge in the number of passengers during the Chhath festival, railway stations are experiencing heavy crowding. Passengers are advised to exercise caution while boarding or alighting from trains. Please do not attempt to board or disembark from a moving train, and be sure to check the train's schedule and status before your journey. These measures by the railways are intended to manage the passenger rush during the festive season and ensure that everyone reaches home safely.