Chhath Puja 2026: Massive Crowds Hit Gorakhpur Railway Station
Gorakhpur railway station faces extreme overcrowding during Chhath Puja. Indian Railways deploys 650 special trains to manage the festive rush.
The commencement of the four-day Chhath Puja festival has triggered a massive wave of migration across Northern India. As the festivities began with Nahay-Khay on November 13, 2026, Gorakhpur railway station has been witnessing unprecedented levels of passenger congestion.
Platforms are currently overflowing with travelers heading toward their hometowns in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The situation has become so intense that some passengers have reportedly resorted to utilizing emergency windows to gain entry into coaches amidst the extreme rush.
Indian Railways Deploys 650 Special Trains
To manage the overwhelming demand and ensure smoother travel for devotees, Indian Railways has significantly ramped up its services. Compared to the 400 special trains operated during the same period last year, authorities have now deployed approximately 650 special trains.
These additional services are facilitating over 2,000 individual trips to high-demand destinations, including:
- Gorakhpur
- Patna
- Chhapra
- Darbhanga
Advanced Crowd Control and AI Monitoring
Railway authorities have activated comprehensive crowd management protocols to prevent stampedes and maintain order amidst the festive chaos. Key measures being implemented include:
- Dedicated Holding Areas: Established to regulate the flow of passengers entering the station.
- Enhanced Security Presence: Increased deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel to assist with boarding.
- Queue Management: Implementation of strict queue-based systems to mitigate risks.
In a significant technological push, officials are utilizing AI-enabled CCTV monitoring through a dedicated 'war room.' This allows for real-time intervention in high-traffic zones across the North Eastern Railway and Northern Railway divisions.
Official Safety Advisory
Railway officials have urged all passengers to prioritize their safety and avoid relying on unverified information. Travelers are advised to check only the official IRCTC website or the NTES app for accurate train schedules and updates.