In a heartfelt initiative to support travellers during the Chhath Puja festival, two special trains departed from Asansol railway station in West Bengal’s Paschim Bardhaman district on Sunday. These trains are expected to accommodate thousands of passengers heading to Patna and Gorakhpur, marking the beginning of a significant festive journey for many.

The Chhath Puja festival, dedicated to the worship of the sun god and his wife, Usha, is an important celebration, particularly in the northern and eastern states of India, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. To ensure a smooth travel experience for those returning to their hometowns, the Indian Railways has implemented extensive measures this festive season.

A passenger bound for Bihar expressed gratitude for the special trains, stating, “This is a very good initiative by the Railways for the people who will be travelling on the occasion of Chhath Puja.” Another traveller echoed this sentiment, praising the cleanliness and arrangements of the trains, saying, “I am going back home for Chhath Puja. The train arrangements made are very good, and we are very happy that this step was taken by the government.” This sentiment of appreciation was widespread, with many passengers highlighting the significant benefits of the arrangements.

170+ Special Trains Nationwide

In preparation for the high volume of travellers, Indian Railways announced on Friday that they would operate special trains nationwide to ensure passengers can safely return home for the festival. Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity for the Railway Board, revealed that over 160 trains had been operated on Thursday, with plans to run more than 170 trains on Sunday alone.

“The special arrangements are for people travelling to their hometowns during Chhath Puja. We are running various trains to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to accommodate the rush. Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railways Protection Force (RPF) staff have been deployed to manage the crowd, and Rail Sewaks are available to assist travellers with any questions,” Kumar explained.

To further enhance the travel experience, additional coaches have been added to the special trains, and hundreds of CCTV cameras have been installed at major stations to ensure passenger safety. Major railway hubs such as New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Baroda, Mumbai, Bandra, Vijayawada, Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru have also implemented special arrangements to facilitate smooth transit during this busy period.

Tickets for the special trains can be booked through both online and offline systems, with unreserved seats available for those unable to secure confirmed tickets. Kumar emphasised the focus on passenger convenience, stating, “We have restricted unnecessary movement of travellers, and Rail Sewaks are on hand to assist senior and physically challenged citizens.”

Chhath Puja is a deeply significant festival for many, and the Indian Railways’ initiative to provide special trains is a commendable effort to support the large number of people travelling home. As families reunite and communities come together to celebrate, the successful operation of these trains underscores the importance of accessibility and safety during one of India’s most cherished festivals.

With the festival approaching, the special train services from Asansol and other key locations are a beacon of hope and convenience for travellers, allowing them to honour traditions and rituals that define the essence of Chhath Puja.