While passengers have already landed and reached home in Dhanbad town of Jharkhand,the Indian Railways is busy ensuring a smooth and comfortable festive journey for passengers by operating over 12,000 special trains across the country. 

For the first time, passengers have experienced mikes of railway stations playing melodies Chhath songs. Also, to manage the massive festive rush, holding areas equipped with all passenger amenities have been set up at major stations such as Dhanbad, Ranchi, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand as well as New Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, Udhna, Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and others. 

Railway staff are working round the clock to guide passengers, maintain order, and ensure that everyone reaches home safely to celebrate the festivals with their loved ones. More than 900 special train trips are taking place in the next three days across the country to clear the festival rush. 

At Chakradharpur railway division,Railway is now gearing up for the safe and comfortable return journey of passengers after the Chhath Puja festivities end on Tuesday. 

For the period of 28th October till November, 6181 special trains have been notified to facilitate passengers returning to their workplaces after festival season. 

Around 40 stations in Jharkhand and Bihar are gearing up for the festive rush with holding areas, additional ticket counters, CCTV surveillance, and other passenger-friendly arrangements. 

Additional coaches are also being attached to existing services to accommodate increased demand. Weather proof holding areas are being created at major stations to manage large passenger inflows and provide convenient waiting facilities before train departures. 

Some of the stations where holding areas are being established include Ranchi, Dhanbad and Jamshedpur in Jharkhand,Patna, Danapur, Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Samastipur, Barauni etc. in Bihar and Gorakhpur, Ballia and Banaras in Uttar Pradesh.

Khagaria Station Holding Area

In addition to this additional Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, and mobile unreserved ticketing (m-UTS) facilities have been made available to make travel more convenient for passengers. 

Saharsa Station Holding Area

On the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja, Indian Railways has also started playing Chhath songs at railway stations in all these stations in Jharkhand, Bihar, U.P.

This initiative aims to connect passengers with the festive spirit and make their journey more pleasant. At major stations like Patna, Danapur, Hajipur, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, Sonpur, New Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Anand Vihar Terminal, these songs allow passengers to experience the essence of home and culture, infusing their journey with devotion and joy.

To maintain smooth operations, Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been deployed in adequate numbers for safety and regulation. Passenger assistance booths, information counters, queue management systems and public announcement systems have been strengthened. 

Cleanliness, lighting, and sanitation facilities are being closely monitored at all major stations. Dedicated war rooms at the Railway Board, Zonal, and Divisional levels are functioning round-the-clock to monitor and coordinate operations, ensuring real-time responses to any passenger requirements.

Muzaffarpur Station Holding Area

At stations like Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Saharsa, etc. 24x7 medical booths have been set up to address any passenger health emergencies. In coordination with the State Government, Fire Brigade, and Ambulance services are also kept in readiness to ensure prompt medical assistance and safety management.

Indian Railways, through careful planning, improved passenger services, and a strong emphasis on convenience and care, is dedicated to providing a seamless travel experience. 

A passenger travelling from Guwahati to Bihar for Chhath Puja with her family expressed gratitude to Indian Railways for operating special trains, enabling passengers to celebrate this important festival with their loved ones.

Highlighting Indian Railways’ commitment to passenger care, at Howrah Railway Station, the staff went the extra mile to assist a disabled passenger. The passenger expressed heartfelt gratitude to Indian Railways for their support.

A passenger at SMVT Bengaluru, expressed appreciation for the ongoing special trains, noting that passengers are enjoying the available facilities and thanking Indian Railways for the service. Similarly, another passenger at Agra Railway Station, travelling to Gwalior, commended the punctuality of the trains and thanked Indian Railways for providing a seamless travel experience.

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