Chhath: No room in Tata-Danapur, Tata-Chapra, Purushottam, Jallianwala Bagh Express, heavy rush in Bihar-bound buses

Jamshedpur, Oct 28: In view of Chhath all Bihar-bound passenger trains either originating or passing through Tatanagar and long distance buses are witnessing a huge rush of passengers. The reservation list for several long-distance passenger trains heading to Bihar and other destinations  has crossed  the 100 mark. No reservation is available in three trains– Tata-Danapur Superfast Express, Tata-Chapra Link Express and Durg-Danapur South Bihar Express in the four days, as it has reached the “no room” status. Reservation is also not available in Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express and Jallianwala Bagh Express which passes through Gaya and other destinations in Bihar.

Tata-Chapra Express and Durg-Danapur South Bihar Express are also packed to capacity because of the heavy passenger rush. ” Besides, Tata -Chapra Link Express, Tata-Danapur Superfast Express and  Durg-Danapur South Bihar Express  that have reported cent per cent occupancy for Chhath, passengers have been seeking reservation in other trains passing through important junctions in Bihar. The rush is going to remain for another week or so as the devotees would return from their native places in Bihar after the festival,” said a senior official of the computerised ticket reservation centre.

The official said that the facility of additional coaches would be provided till the rush reduces. Moreover, for the convenience of passengers, an additional ticket counter has been opened at Tatanagar and several other railway stations under Chakradharpur division that will be operational till Chhath.

He said there has been a rise in passenger traffic  due to the Chhath festival. ” We have requested Garden Reach, headquarters of South Eastern Railway to provide additional sleeper coaches in other trains which pass through Bihar keeping in view the heavy rush,” said Singh adding that majority of the berths in Bihar-bound trains are booked from Tatanagar, Jharsuguda and Chakradharpur railway stations.

Passengers claimed that the railways had done precious little to ensure maximum reservation. “Special trains should run between Tatanagar and Chapra during Chhath festivity. The trains should be introduced at least 10 days before the festival,” said Biresh Kumar, a passenger at Tatanagar railway station. 

Meanwhile, the long distance buses headed for Bihar are also running in full capacity. Passengers are even forced to sit on the floor or wooden stool while travelling in the buses.