New Delhi, Oct 25 (NationPress) The Indian Railways has implemented extensive measures to handle the significant influx of travelers during Chhath Puja, as thousands sought to return home on Saturday to celebrate this cherished festival with their loved ones.

In order to meet the heightened demand, special trains, extra coaches, and various passenger-centric initiatives have been launched on key routes and at major stations.

To address the overwhelming rush, a round-trip Chhath Puja Special train has been organized between Rani Kamlapati and Hazrat Nizamuddin.

As per the officials, train number 01661 Chhath Puja Special departed from Rani Kamlapati station at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, arriving at Hazrat Nizamuddin station at 8:15 p.m.

On its return, train number 01662 will leave Hazrat Nizamuddin at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, stopping at Mathura at 9:55 p.m., Agra Cantt at 10:50 p.m., Gwalior at 2:55 a.m., Veerangna Rani Laxmibai Jhansi at 5:35 a.m., Bina at 8:10 a.m., Vidisha at 9:15 a.m., and finally arriving at Rani Kamlapati Station at 10:50 a.m. on Sunday.

This train will feature 22 LHB coaches, which include two Second AC, three Third AC, six Economy Third AC, five Sleeper, four General Class, one SLRD, and one generator car.

The Railways Ministry has announced that approximately 6,181 special trains will operate on October 28 to assist passengers returning to their jobs post-festival.

In total, over 12,000 special trains are scheduled nationwide, with more than 900 special trips arranged in the upcoming three days to manage the festival rush.

In Bihar, nearly 30 stations are being prepared to handle the massive influx of passengers. Enhancements include extra ticket counters, CCTV surveillance, weatherproof holding areas, and improved crowd management systems.

Stations such as Patna, Danapur, Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Samastipur, and Barauni in Bihar, along with Gorakhpur, Ballia, and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, are among those equipped with holding areas to ensure smooth operations.

To accommodate increased demand, additional coaches are being added to existing services. Weatherproof holding areas are being established at major stations to manage the large passenger inflows and offer comfortable waiting facilities prior to train departures, as stated by the ministry.

For passenger safety, 24/7 medical booths have been set up at key stations, including Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, and Saharsa. Fire brigade and ambulance services are also stationed for emergency health assistance and safety management.

To enhance the festive atmosphere, the Indian Railways has begun playing Chhath songs at several major stations to connect passengers with the occasion.

At stations like Patna, Danapur, Hajipur, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, Sonpur, New Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Anand Vihar Terminal, the devotional tunes are creating a joyous ambiance and invoking the spirit of home and tradition for travelers returning for this sacred festival.