ECR to Set Up Waterproof Holding Areas at 15 Stations for Festive Rush
To manage the massive influx of passengers traveling to Bihar during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals, the East Central Railway (ECR) has announced a comprehensive crowd management strategy. Starting from November 3, 2026, the railway will operationalize waterproof holding areas at 15 major stations, designed to accommodate approximately 100,000 passengers every day.
The primary goal of these temporary structures is to regulate passenger movement, prevent platform overcrowding, and mitigate the risk of stampede-like conditions during the peak festive period. To ensure seamless oversight, a 24-hour 'war room' will be established to coordinate security and crowd management efforts across the network.
Essential Amenities for Passenger Comfort
The railway has ensured that these holding areas are equipped with necessary facilities to assist travelers while they wait for their trains. Each area will provide:
- Dedicated ticketing counters
- Access to drinking water
- CCTV surveillance for enhanced security
- Medical facilities and assistance
- Seating arrangements
- Mobile charging points
- Real-time train status information boards
- Public announcement systems
Station-Wise Capacity Planning
ECR has meticulously planned the capacity for key stations to handle the heavy surge in commuters. The breakdown of passenger capacities is as follows:
- Patna Junction: 4,000 capacity, with an additional 10,000-passenger capacity zone.
- Danapur: 3,000 capacity.
- Rajendra Nagar Terminal: 2,000 capacity, with an additional 10,000-passenger capacity zone.
- Patliputra Junction: 2,000 capacity, with an additional 10,000-passenger capacity zone.
- Muzaffarpur: 3,000 capacity.
- Darbhanga: 2,000 capacity.
- Samastipur: 1,500 to 2,000 capacity.
Special Trains and Clone Services to Ease Travel
To further alleviate congestion on the tracks, the ECR has notified over 17 pairs of festival special trains, which will operate from October 1 to November 30, 2026. In total, 14 special trains have been introduced to meet the demand.
For passengers traveling on highly popular routes, unreserved 'clone' trains will be operational between November 3 and November 14. These services will supplement major trains, including:
- Sampoorna Kranti Express
- Shiv Ganga Express
- Mahabodhi Express
These massive logistical efforts are being complemented by additional services managed by the North Central Railway, Central Railway, and Eastern Railway to ensure smooth travel for those heading to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.