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Indian Railways witnessed an unprecedented surge in passenger movement this festive season - from Diwali to Chhath - ferrying over 1.6 crore people so far
across the country. The number is expected to cross 2.5 crore by the end of the festive period, marking one of the largest passenger movements in the world. To ensure smooth travel and manage the heavy rush, 30 major stations across Bihar and adjoining Uttar Pradesh were equipped with large holding areas for passengers returning after the festivities. Additional ticket counters, CCTV monitoring, and crowd management measures were also implemented to maintain order and safety.
Railway staff worked round the clock to assist travellers, ensuring they reach home comfortably for the celebrations.
As Chhath celebrations began, special arrangements were made to handle peak travel days, particularly at busy junctions like Patna and Rajendra Nagar Terminal.
At Patna Junction, a dedicated holding area was set up for passengers, while continuous CCTV surveillance ensures security. At Rajendra Nagar Terminal, railway staff assisted passengers requiring help, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and pleasant journey during the festive rush.
Some passengers lauded the Railways' cleanliness, punctuality, and improved facilities at stations and onboard trains.
One passenger at Jamalpur Railway Station said that "there was no crowd in the train, thanks to the increased number of special trains". Another said that "all facilities, including cleanliness, were well-maintained and they faced no inconvenience during their journey".
A passenger also expressed gratitude to the Railways for "maintaining cleanliness and playing Chhath-related songs at the station, which is creating a spiritual and festive atmosphere".
During the Chhath festival, a special Vande Bharat Express service between New Delhi and Patna was launched. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Railways played traditional Chhath melodies onboard, adding to the festive excitement of travellers heading home for celebrations. Across India, 156 Vande Bharat Express services are currently in operation.
In the past few years, Indian Railways has made remarkable strides in infrastructure and passenger convenience. The number of special trains has grown exponentially, while track construction has increased from 400–600 km per year a decade ago to over 4,000 km annually today.
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