Guwahati (Assam) [India], October 24 (ANI): In anticipation of increased passenger traffic during Chhath Puja, the Indian Railways has rolled out extensive arrangements to ensure safe and comfortable travel. Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, CPRO of Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR), stated that over 12,000 special trains have been deployed this year, significantly higher than last year’s 7,500, to serve key stations in Bihar.
Sharma told ANI, “The crowd increases during the festive season, especially during Diwali and Chhath Puja. Like every year, Indian Railways has made provision for special trains this time too. More than 12,000 special trains have been started this year. Last time the number was around 7,500… All these trains will run to different stations in Bihar.”
To manage the surge, the railways have established holding areas at major stations with seating and train information systems. Security measures have been enhanced with increased deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, CCTV surveillance, and drones. Automatic ticket vending machines have also been installed to ease congestion at counters.
Sharma added, “We have created holding areas at major stations to prevent passengers from rushing if the crowds increase. These holding areas have seating arrangements and a train information system… We have also increased RPF deployment and strengthened security arrangements through CCTV and drones… We have also installed automatic ticket vending machines… We wish everyone a safe, comfortable journey.”
Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God, is widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and abroad. The festival spans from October 25 to 28 this year, beginning with Nahay-Khay, followed by Kharna, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and concluding with Usha Arghya, emphasizing purification, devotion, and thanksgiving. (ANI)
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