Indian Railways Launches Mega Plan for Chhath Festival with 214 Special Trains

Gorakhpur, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : As the Chhath Festival approaches, the Northeast Railway has implemented extensive preparations to accommodate the influx of travelers heading home. Millions are expected to return to their hometowns for this significant celebration, prompting the railway to operate 214 special trains, which will make a total of 2,044 trips.

To enhance passenger convenience and safety, the Gorakhpur Junction has established four vending zones for those arriving from distant areas. These zones provide seating and resting facilities, as well as unreserved ticket counters, coolers, and free drinking water. This setup aims to alleviate the discomfort of waiting in crowded platforms.

In terms of security, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel have been deployed throughout the station. They are joined by a team from the Bihar police to ensure a secure environment. CCTV cameras installed around the station monitor passenger safety and detect any suspicious activities.

Sumit Kumar, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Railway, emphasized that many individuals return home for the Chhath Festival due to its deep cultural significance. The railway administration has made special arrangements to ensure that every traveler can reach their destination safely and on time.

While the 214 special trains are in operation, regular trains are also experiencing heavy passenger traffic. Regular services remain the preferred choice for many travelers. This is evident on the Bagh Express, which runs from Kathgodam to Gorakhpur and onward to Howrah via Siwan, where passengers have been forced to stand near the bathrooms and doors due to overcrowding.

Upon arrival at the station, RPF and GRP personnel took charge, ensuring that disembarking passengers exited safely while boarding passengers were organized efficiently.