Ranchi Special Trains: 10 New Services for Dussehra & Diwali
The Ranchi Railway Division has announced the launch of 10 Ranchi special trains to manage the massive passenger surge expected during the upcoming Dussehra and Diwali festivals. According to Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Karuna Nidhi Singh, this number is more than double the special services provided in previous years.
The decision comes as a major relief for commuters, as all reserved berths on regular trains are currently fully booked for the festive season.
Key Festive Special Trains and Routes
To ensure passengers can reach their destinations, several special services have been scheduled across major routes:
- Ranchi-Alipurduar Puja Special (08661/08662): This service will run from October 12 to November 11.
- Ranchi-Shalimar Puja Special (08616/08615): A bi-weekly service starting October 14, departing Ranchi every Wednesday and Friday.
In addition to these, new special services are being introduced to connect Ranchi with major metropolitan hubs, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai (LTT), and Kolkata. To specifically address the travel demands during the Diwali and Chhath periods, three additional special trains will be deployed to destinations including Arrah, Gorakhpur, Banaras, and Jaynagar.
Infrastructure Upgrades for Crowd Management
Recognizing the heavy footfall during the festivals, the division has implemented several infrastructure enhancements to improve the passenger experience:
- Station Expansion: A new second station building and associated ticket counters have been opened on the southern side of the station.
- Ticketing Efficiency: Ranchi and Hatia stations will see the installation of additional Automatic Ticketing Vending Machines (ATVMs) and new booking counters to reduce waiting times.
- Passenger Comfort: A dedicated holding area is being established at Ranchi station to manage passengers waiting for their trains.
Enhanced Security and Safety Measures
Security remains a top priority for the division. The RPF has been deployed at all major stations, and 24-hour surveillance is being maintained through extensive CCTV networks.
Officials are also promoting the use of mobile ticketing to minimize congestion at physical counters. DRM Karuna Nidhi Singh has urged all passengers to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled departure to avoid last-minute rush and ensure a smooth journey.