NEW DELHI (Metro Rail & Steel): In a bid to cater to the travel needs of a surge in passengers during the upcoming Chhath Puja festival, Indian Railways has initiated a substantial service enhancement. A total of 4480 trips on 283 special trains have been launched, connecting key destinations across the country. This proactive approach aims to ensure the convenience and comfort of rail travelers while efficiently handling the additional passenger load.
The Ministry of Railways highlighted the network of these special trains, connecting major destinations on popular railway routes. Notable connections include Delhi-Patna, Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Danapur-Saharsa, Danapur-Bengaluru, Ambala-Saharsa, Muzaffarpur-Yesvantpur, Puri-Patna, Okha-Naharlagun, Sealdah-New Jalpaiguri, Kochuveli-Bengaluru, Benaras-Mumbai, Howrah-Raxaul, and more. This comprehensive approach seeks to facilitate convenient and efficient travel for passengers during the festive season.
To manage the crowds and ensure an orderly entry of passengers into unreserved coaches, crowd-control measures have been implemented, including forming queues at the terminus stations under the supervision of Railway Protection Force (RPF) staff.
Additional RPF personnel have been strategically deployed at major stations to bolster passenger security. Moreover, officers are on emergency duty at significant stations to guarantee the seamless operation of trains. Staff members are assigned to various sections to address any potential disruptions to train services promptly.
To enhance the overall passenger experience, frequent and timely announcements regarding the arrival and departure of trains, along with platform details, are being made. “May I Help You” booths are operational at important stations, with RPF personnel and Train Ticket Examiners (TTEs) present to provide assistance and guidance to passengers. Additionally, medical teams are available at major stations, and ambulances staffed with paramedical teams are on standby.
A strict vigilance protocol has been established to monitor and prevent any malpractice, with the Security and Vigilance Department overseeing the process. Instructions have been issued by Zonal Headquarters to maintain cleanliness in waiting halls, retiring rooms, platforms, and stations in general.
