Indian Railways is gearing up for one of its biggest challenges of the year as Chhath Puja approaches, with authorities announcing an unprecedented deployment of 12,000 special trains to manage the massive passenger influx expected in Bihar.
Mega Preparations for Festival Rush
The railway authorities have left no stone unturned in their preparations for what is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods in Eastern India. With millions of devotees expected to travel to their hometowns across Bihar for the sacred festival, the railway network is implementing what officials are calling their most comprehensive festival plan ever.
Enhanced Safety Protocols
Beyond just increasing train capacity, the Railways have implemented stringent safety measures to ensure smooth and secure travel for all passengers. These include:
- Enhanced crowd management systems at major stations
- Additional security personnel deployment
- Improved sanitation and cleaning protocols
- Emergency medical facilities at key stations
- Real-time passenger information systems
Focus on Bihar Connectivity
The special train services will primarily focus on connecting major cities to Bihar's hinterlands, ensuring that devotees can reach their hometowns without hassle. Key routes from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other metropolitan centers to Bihar destinations will see significant frequency increases.
Railway officials emphasized that the preparations have been underway for months, with special attention given to maintaining punctuality and comfort despite the expected heavy passenger load. The additional trains will operate alongside regular services, effectively doubling capacity on many critical routes.
Passenger Advisory
Authorities have urged passengers to plan their journeys in advance and book tickets early to avoid last-minute difficulties. The railway administration has also set up special help desks and customer service centers to assist travelers during the festival period.
This massive operational scale underscores the importance of Chhath Puja in Bihar's cultural landscape and the Railways' commitment to facilitating this significant annual migration while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
