Tatanagar: Rush in Bihar-bound trains for Chhath

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Oct 23 : As the major festival of Chhath approaches, trains bound for Bihar from Tatanagar are witnessing unprecedented rush.

Trains like the South Bihar Express and Katihar Express are so packed that passengers are struggling to even find space to stand.

The situation has escalated to the point where Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and commercial staff are actively managing crowds on the ground.

While general coaches have traditionally been crowded, this year even sleeper coaches are resembling general compartments due to the surge in passengers. Many travelers are forced to sit on train floors or near doors when seats are unavailable.

Those who arrive early and manage to stand in line have a better chance of securing a seat.

Latecomers must find space wherever they can inside the train. To manage the chaos, railway authorities are marking lines on platforms and boarding passengers in an orderly manner.

According to railway officials, the number of passengers returning to Bihar during Chhath increases manifold every year.

This year, despite several additional Chhath special trains, demand has far exceeded supply.

RPF officers have been deployed in extra numbers for security and crowd management.

The station is also under continuous surveillance via drones and CCTV to prevent any untoward incidents.

Railways have urged passengers to avoid traveling without confirmed tickets and to check train availability in advance through the IRCTC portal or railway helplines.

Many passengers reported that despite booking tickets months ago, their waitlists did not clear, forcing them to travel on general tickets.