Travelling home for Chhath Puja just got a lot easier this year. Indian Railways has rolled out smart crowd management plans across key stations in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. They have created dedicated waiting zones at thirty major stops so people do not have to stand in long, chaotic lines before boarding.
Over Twelve Thousand Extra Trains Running Smoothly
The railway ministry has added more than twelve thousand special trains on top of the usual schedule. Till now, around one point six crore people have used these services to reach their hometowns. Officials believe the same number will travel back after the festival ends. This huge operation shows how seriously the team takes the festive travel spike.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared that every step has been planned carefully. From extra ticket counters to better lighting and CCTV coverage, nothing has been left to chance. Handheld ticket machines are also moving through crowds so passengers can buy tickets without rushing to fixed counters.
Comfortable Waiting Zones Change the Game
At thirty stations spread across North Bihar and the Purvanchal belt, large holding areas now welcome travellers. These spaces come with benches, fans, drinking water, and clear signboards. People can relax here until their train arrives, then walk in orderly groups to the platform. This simple change has cut down pushing, shouting, and last-minute dashes.
One traveller heading from New Delhi to Chhapra told our team he felt relieved seeing the calm setup. He was taking his sister home for the puja and got confirmed seats without any hassle. At Bhagalpur station, another passenger smiled while listening to Chhath songs playing softly in the background. The music lifted everyone’s mood and made the wait feel festive instead of tiring.
Passengers Speak Highly of Cleanliness and Order
Clean platforms and spotless waiting zones have become the talk among travellers. A family at New Delhi station pointed out how sweepers kept working round the clock. At Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Hubballi Junction, a young man said confirmed tickets are now easier to grab because of the extra trains.
In Pune, a group of friends praised the fans and water points inside the holding area. They boarded without any confusion thanks to volunteers guiding the queues. Over at Anand Vihar Terminal, a mother travelling with two kids said the separate lines for families made boarding stress-free.
Even at Raipur Junction, passengers called the new waiting zones a big upgrade. One elderly man said he could sit comfortably instead of standing for hours with heavy bags. Such small touches show the railway staff truly understand what people need during peak days.
Behind the Scenes: Round-the-Clock Teamwork
Railway workers have been on double shifts to keep everything running. Ticket checkers, platform supervisors, and cleaning crews coordinate through walkie-talkies. Extra security personnel patrol the holding areas to prevent any trouble. Quick-response teams fix minor glitches like faulty fans or leaking taps within minutes.
Trains are cleaned at every terminal stop. Water tanks are refilled, and pantry staff stock extra food packets. All these efforts add up to a journey that feels safe and pleasant even when millions are on the move.
Return Journey Plans Already in Place
Once Chhath celebrations wrap up, the same crowd will head back to cities for work. Railway officials have kept the same number of special trains ready for the return leg. Booking windows are open, and online quotas have been increased to avoid last-minute panic.
Minister Vaishnaw sent his Chhath Puja greetings to every traveller and promised the same level of care on the way back. He urged people to book early and reach stations a little ahead of time so the holding areas stay manageable.
With clear communication, visible staff help, and thoughtful facilities, Indian Railways has turned the usual festival rush into a smooth ride. Families can now focus on prayers and prasad instead of worrying about seats or safety.
If you are travelling soon, check the latest train status and grab your ticket online. The extra effort by the railways deserves a big thank you from all of us heading home this Chhath.