New Delhi: In preparation for the upcoming Chhath Puja festival, Indian Railways has launched 196 special trains across the country to manage the increased travel demand. The Railway Board’s Chairman, Satish Kumar, announced that these trains will operate over a 13-day period, primarily from Delhi, to facilitate passenger movement and ease travel congestion during the festive season. The initiative aims to help millions reach their hometowns safely and efficiently.
Dilip Kumar, the Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board, noted that over 160 special trains were already in operation as of Thursday, with an additional 170 scheduled for Sunday. Key stations, including New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Mumbai, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru, have been equipped with enhanced facilities for the expected surge of travelers returning home for the holiday.
Special measures include the addition of extra coaches to meet passenger demand, deployment of the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) to control crowd movement, and installation of hundreds of CCTV cameras for enhanced security. Rail Sewaks have been stationed to assist passengers with inquiries, especially aiding senior citizens and those with disabilities.
Tickets for these special trains are available for booking both online and offline. Passengers without confirmed reservations may access unreserved seating options. Restrictions on unnecessary movement within stations have also been implemented to ensure efficient crowd management. Rail Sewaks will also provide assistance to ensure a smooth experience for all travelers.
Chhath Puja, a significant festival celebrated widely in the northern and eastern regions of India, such as Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, is dedicated to worshipping the Sun God, who is revered as a symbol of life and energy.
