Samastipur Division Unveils Chhath Puja Special Trains
Samastipur Railway Division launches Chhath Puja special trains and crowd control measures at 13 stations to manage the festival rush.
To manage the anticipated surge in passengers during the upcoming festivities, the Samastipur Railway Division of the East Central Railway has introduced several Chhath Puja special trains. These new services, along with enhanced station management protocols, aim to provide a safe and organized travel experience for devotees across the region.
New Festival Special Train Services
As part of a broader Indian Railways initiative to operate approximately 7,000 special trains nationwide between October 1 and November 30, 2026, the division has added key routes to its schedule to alleviate congestion:
- The Ludhiana-Saharsa-Ludhiana Festival Special (Train Nos. 04656/04655), which will operate via Barauni, Hajipur, Gorakhpur, and Manasi.
- The Kolkata-Ludhiana Festival Special (Train No. 04665), which includes scheduled stops at Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur.
Crowd Control and Station Management
Recognizing the potential for overcrowding on platforms, the division has established temporary holding areas at 13 major stations. These zones are designed to manage passenger flow and provide a controlled environment for commuters waiting for their trains.
Key Stations with Holding Facilities
The following stations will feature these specialized holding areas:
- Samastipur, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Madhubani, Sakri, Jaynagar, Raxaul, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Purnia Court, Lalitgram, Bapudham Motihari, and Bettiah.
These dedicated areas will be equipped with essential amenities to ensure passenger comfort, including:
- Drinking water facilities
- Medical booths
- Public address systems
- Passenger assistance centers
Enhanced Safety and Security Protocols
Stringent safety measures have been implemented to protect commuters, particularly near festive sites. All trains are mandated to reduce their speed to 30 km/h and must maintain continuous whistling when passing through sections near Chhath ghats to alert those nearby.
To maintain order and discipline, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) have been heavily deployed across stations and tracks to monitor movement and ensure passenger security.
Important Travel Advisory
Railway officials have issued the following guidance to all passengers:
- Avoid restricted areas near railway crossings and tracks, especially near festive gathering sites.
- Regularly verify the latest travel schedules and stoppages through official Indian Railways channels, as adjustments may be made based on passenger demand.