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Bhagalpur, Oct 25 (IANS) Bihar’s Bhagalpur railway station has transformed into the epicenter of Chhath Puja excitement as the platforms echo with devotional songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya.
Indian Railways has implemented elaborate arrangements to manage the surge in passenger traffic as thousands of people continued to travel home on Saturday to celebrate the festival with their families.
To handle the growing festive rush, Railways has introduced special trains, additional coaches and several passenger-friendly measures on major routes and major stations.
In Bhagalpur, mobile ticketing facilities have been introduced in the passenger holding area to reduce crowding, while devotional Chhath songs create a spiritual atmosphere for the passengers.
Bhagalpur Railway Station Director Utpal Sharma told IANS that the Railway Ministry and Railway Administration have made extensive arrangements for the Chhath festival this year.
Sharma said, “Separate passenger holding areas along with seating arrangements have been created in the railway premises. Dedicated staff have been deployed for mobile ticketing so that passengers do not have to stand in long queues. Besides, songs related to Chhathi Maiya puja are being played to enhance the festive mood. Passengers are very happy with this and are thanking the Railways.”
He said that strict security measures have been taken to ensure the safety of passengers amid the huge crowd.
Passengers expressed happiness over the festive arrangements and Chhath songs being played at the station.
“For the first time, these songs are being played at the railway station. Today is ‘Nahay Khay’, and it is wonderful to hear these devotional songs on this occasion – it fills you with joy,” Kumar Anu Singh, who reached Bhagalpur for the celebrations, told IANS.
Another passenger, Happy Rajesh, said, “It is a good idea to create a spiritual experience at the railway station. It is very pleasant to listen to Chhath songs while waiting for the train. We thank the administration for this.”
Ranveer Singh, who was going to Samastipur, said, “This time the arrangements are very good. There is an extra space at the station, where people can wait for their trains without standing in lines for hours.”
Preeti Lata, who is going to Jharkhand to celebrate Chhath, said, “The journey is long, but I am happy that such good arrangements have been made. Playing Chhath songs on the platforms is a wonderful idea – the administration has done a great job.”
Ayesha, a college student going back to Uttar Pradesh, said that even though she could not attend Chhath Puja at home this year, the atmosphere at the station filled her with joy.
“I missed Chhath Puja this time, but these songs have made me happy. I can feel the devotion just by listening to them. This is a very good initiative,” she told IANS.
Meanwhile, the Railway Ministry said that around 6,181 special trains have been notified for October 28 to facilitate the return of passengers to their workplaces after the festival. Overall, more than 12,000 special trains are being operated across the country, with more than 900 special trips scheduled in the next three days to manage the festive rush.
In Bihar alone, around 30 railway stations are being equipped to handle the heavy passenger flow with additional ticket counters, CCTV surveillance, weather-resistant holding areas and advanced crowd management systems to ensure safe and comfortable travel for all passengers.
–IANS
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