As millions of devotees across India prepare to celebrate Chhath Puja, the Indian Railways has rolled out massive travel arrangements to manage the unprecedented passenger rush. Thousands of people were seen thronging stations across northern India on Saturday, trying to reach their hometowns to celebrate the festival with their families.

To meet the soaring demand, the Railways has introduced special trains, additional coaches, and enhanced facilities across major routes, especially in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where Chhath Puja draws huge crowds each year.

Special Train from Rani Kamlapati to Hazrat Nizamuddin

According to officials, train number 01661 Chhath Puja Special departed from Rani Kamlapati station on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and will arrive at Hazrat Nizamuddin station at 8:15 p.m.

On its return journey, train number 01662 will leave Hazrat Nizamuddin at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and halt 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., before reaching Rani Kamlapati Station at 10:50 a.m. on Sunday.

The train will comprise 22 LHB coaches, including two Second AC, three Third AC, six Economy Third AC, five Sleeper, four General Class, one SLRD, and one generator car.

12,000 special trains nationwide

According to the Ministry of Railways, nearly 12,000 special trains are being operated across India to manage the festive rush. Of these, around 6,181 trains have been designated for post-Chhath return journeys, helping passengers get back to work after the celebrations.

Over 900 special trips are planned in the next three days to ensure smooth travel for devotees returning from their hometowns.

Enhanced passenger facilities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

In Bihar, nearly 30 stations are being equipped to handle the massive passenger inflow. Measures include additional ticket counters, CCTV surveillance, weatherproof holding areas, and enhanced 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 (also known as Banaras) in Uttar Pradesh, are among those where holding areas have been set up to ensure smooth operations.

Additional coaches are also being attached to existing services to accommodate increased demand. Weatherproof holding areas are being created at major stations to manage large passenger inflows and provide convenient waiting facilities before train departures, the ministry stated.

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

Adding to the festive spirit, Indian Railways has begun playing Chhath songs at several major stations to help passengers feel more connected to the occasion.

At stations like Patna, Danapur, Hajipur, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, Sonpur, New Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Anand Vihar Terminal, the devotional songs are creating a joyful atmosphere and evoking the spirit of home and tradition for travellers heading back for the sacred festival.

IANS inputs