East Coast Railway Boosts Services for Chhath Puja and Diwali Festivities

Thousands of Special Trains and Additional Manpower Deployed to Manage Festive Rush

As India gears up for two major festivals, Chhath Puja and Diwali, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced extensive arrangements to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic. Recognizing the importance of these ‘Mahaparv’ or grand festivals, Indian Railways has ramped up services with an unprecedented number of special trains to ensure a smooth journey for travelers headed home for the celebrations. Chief Public Relations Officer of East Coast Railway, Ashoka Kumar Mishra, emphasized that the railways are ready to cater to the demand, deploying both increased manpower and a greater number of trains this year.

Indian Railways has arranged approximately 7,000 special trains across the country for this year’s festive season, marking a significant increase from the 4,500 trains provided last year. According to Mishra, East Coast Railway has added several special trains from key stations including Bhubaneswar, Brahmapur, Sambalpur, and Visakhapatnam to facilitate passenger movement, especially to high-demand regions such as Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

Enhanced Services and Manpower for Chhath Puja and Diwali

Given the unique cultural and religious significance of Chhath Puja in states like Bihar and Jharkhand, East Coast Railway’s special train services primarily target routes connecting Bhubaneswar and Puri with these regions. These special trains aim to ease the pressure on the regular rail services and accommodate the significant number of people traveling home for the holidays. Additional manpower, including Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and Traveling Ticket Examiners (TTEs), has been deployed to ensure safety and efficient ticket checking amid the holiday crowds.

“Chhath Puja and Diwali are times when people from all over India travel to be with their families. Keeping this in mind, Indian Railways has made special arrangements with approximately 7,000 trains to serve the public this year. As for the East Coast Railway, we are ensuring special trains operate smoothly from Bhubaneswar, Brahmapur, Sambalpur, and Visakhapatnam,” said CPRO Ashoka Kumar Mishra. “We are particularly focused on routes from Bhubaneswar and Puri to Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal to handle the heavy passenger load during these festivals.”

Special Arrangements for a Comfortable Journey

Indian Railways’ decision to increase the number of special trains reflects its commitment to providing reliable service during peak travel times. Over the years, Chhath Puja has emerged as a festival that sees a mass movement of people, similar to Diwali. Recognizing this demand, the East Coast Railway is not only increasing train frequency but also making special arrangements for passenger comfort and security. Additional security personnel from the RPF will be deployed along major routes, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for all travelers.

Alongside the RPF, an increased presence of TTEs aims to assist in the smooth management of ticket verification and on-board service. With more hands on deck, the East Coast Railway hopes to provide seamless and secure travel to its passengers, who often travel long distances to be with family during these festivals. This measure underscores the Indian Railways’ commitment to passenger welfare and safety, ensuring a stress-free journey for travelers of all ages.

Targeting Key Routes to Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal

The majority of these special train services are routed toward states where Chhath Puja holds deep cultural significance. Bihar and Jharkhand, in particular, see a surge in visitors during this time, as many individuals working in other states return home to celebrate. East Coast Railway has strategically prioritized routes connecting these regions, with special services operating from Bhubaneswar and Puri to cities in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. These services are expected to relieve pressure on existing trains, making it easier for passengers to reach their destinations.

The decision to operate special trains for the festivals is also a strategic one, aiming to prevent overcrowding and reduce travel strain. By increasing the number of trains available on key routes, East Coast Railway not only accommodates more passengers but also ensures better organization and safety across its network. This additional capacity is especially beneficial for families, senior citizens, and individuals traveling with large amounts of luggage, who may otherwise struggle with limited seating on regular trains during peak season.

A Season of Togetherness: East Coast Railway’s Role in Cultural Celebrations

For millions of people across India, Chhath Puja and Diwali are not only religious observances but also times for family gatherings and personal reflection. Recognizing the importance of these celebrations, Indian Railways has consistently worked to provide better services during this season. With thousands of special trains in service, the railways ensure that the spirit of togetherness remains uninterrupted.

The East Coast Railway’s efforts are part of a larger initiative by Indian Railways to cater to the growing demand for holiday travel. According to officials, the added services and extra manpower allocation aim to maintain punctuality and minimize any inconveniences that could arise due to overcrowding. This proactive approach by East Coast Railway highlights Indian Railways’ sensitivity to the needs of its passengers, especially during culturally significant times.

Passenger Response and Anticipation

Many passengers have expressed appreciation for the railway’s efforts to ensure a smooth travel experience during the Chhath Puja and Diwali season. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages from grateful travelers who feel that these added services allow them to connect with family and loved ones with ease. In previous years, limited trains have led to overcrowding, delayed journeys, and difficult travel conditions. This year, however, with 7,000 special trains across the country, passengers are looking forward to a more comfortable journey.

Local residents in Bhubaneswar and other areas served by the East Coast Railway have praised the organization’s dedication to enhancing passenger service. The inclusion of additional staff, especially RPF personnel, reassures passengers of their safety, and the larger train fleet means that travelers are likely to find seats, even on popular routes. Many are hopeful that these proactive measures will continue in future festival seasons, ensuring ease of travel for all.

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Festive Service

With Chhath Puja and Diwali just around the corner, East Coast Railway’s expanded services and enhanced security arrangements are a promising start to the holiday season. This commitment to addressing the challenges of high-demand travel showcases Indian Railways’ dedication to public service and cultural inclusivity. As more families prepare to return home, Indian Railways’ role in facilitating these celebrations strengthens, underlining its significance in India’s cultural landscape.

As Ashoka Kumar Mishra summarized, “We have made all necessary arrangements for our passengers. With thousands of special trains and increased manpower, we are committed to making this festive season travel-friendly and memorable for all.”