Indian Railways Gears Up for Chhath Festival with 340 Special Trains to Manage Festive Rush
As Chhath Puja 2024 approaches, Western Railway (WR) has announced an extensive plan to handle the surge of passengers traveling home for the festivities. To accommodate the increasing demand, WR is launching 104 special trains from Udhna Junction in Surat, Gujarat, as part of a larger strategy by Indian Railways to deploy 340 special trains across key destinations, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Orissa.
Expanded Train Services for Chhath Puja 2024
The initiative underscores Western Railway’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and safe journey for travelers heading to celebrate the Chhath festival, particularly in states where the festival holds cultural and religious significance. In response to heightened passenger demand, WR has also announced that additional coaches will be added to existing services, depending on capacity requirements.
On November 3 alone, the special trains served over 160,000 passengers, with 31,000 travelers departing from Udhna Junction in Surat. The special services will operate from other major cities, including Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Mumbai, Surat, Vapi, and Valsad.
Operational Control and Passenger Assistance
To ensure the special trains operate efficiently and punctually, Western Railway has established control rooms at multiple levels to oversee the services. A team of approximately 50 sahayaks (volunteers) and 20-40 ticket-checking staff has been mobilized to assist travelers on the ground. Furthermore, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and Railway Security Force will be on duty to maintain order and safety for passengers.
About Chhath Festival 2024
Chhath Puja is a vibrant and ancient Hindu festival celebrated mainly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and by the Nepali diaspora. Devoted to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, the goddess of fertility, the four-day festival includes rituals such as fasting, offering prayers, and immersing in rivers or ponds. This year, many travelers are expected to visit their hometowns to observe Chhath Puja, reconnecting with cultural traditions and participating in celebrations with family and friends.
Key Takeaways:
- Special trains by Western Railway: 104 special trains launched from Surat’s Udhna Junction for Chhath Puja travelers.
- Festive travel: Total of 340 special trains across India during the Chhath season.
- Passenger assistance: Dedicated control rooms, sahayaks, and security forces deployed to ensure smooth travel.
With Western Railway’s proactive steps, passengers can look forward to an efficient travel experience this festive season as they prepare for the much-anticipated Chhath Puja 2024 celebrations.
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