Indian Railways has notified 6,181 special trains to facilitate the return journey of passengers after the Chhath Puja festivities. The winter festival rush timetable follows the earlier-run 900 special train services scheduled over the next three days to meet increased demand.
To ease passenger congestion, over 30 stations across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been equipped with weather-proof holding areas, additional coaches attached to existing services, and enhancements in passenger amenities like ticketing counters and mobile-based ticketing.
At major passenger hubs including Patna, Danapur, Hajipur, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, Sonpur, New Delhi, Ghaziabad and Anand Vihar Terminal, Chhath-devotional songs are being played to add to the festive ambience at stations.
Safety and convenience measures have also been ramped up. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been deployed in sustained numbers, queue-management systems strengthened, and war rooms set up round-the-clock at Railway Board, zonal and divisional levels. Medical booths operating 24×7 have been established at stations such as Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Gaya and Saharsa, in coordination with local fire brigade and ambulance services.
These efforts are part of Indian Railways’ wider plan to ensure a smooth, safe and festive-friendly journey for millions heading back home or returning to work post-Chhath Puja.