NFR ready to deal with Chhath Puja rush

HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Oct 28: NF Railway receives a large number of footfalls in many stations during the Chhath Puja celebrations. To deal with the situation it has geared up its preparation to tackle the rush of passengers. From running of additional trains to providing facilities at stations; NF Railway has come up with several initiatives for ease of the commuters during the rush period.
In addition to the regular DEMU train services, three numbers of DEMU Chhath Puja special passenger trains are being operated from Katihar station. Additional ticket booking counter has been opened at Manihari station under Katihar division for the ease of commuters in getting tickets easily for those special trains. Frequent announcements of trains with additional information, drinking water facility and maintenance of cleanliness at Manihari station has been prioritised. Speed restrictions and caution to loco pilots to pass cautiously at spots of public gathering has also been ordered.
In view of the extra rush of passengers on trains and stations during Chhath festival, continuous vigil is being maintained by the Railway Protection Forces to ensure that there is no lapse in passenger safety. Taking extra vigil, security forces along with dog squads have been deployed at major stations.
Special train no. 07541 (Katihar – Jogbani) will depart from Katihar at 21:15 hours daily till November 5, 2022 to reach Jogbani at 23:45 hours on the same day. Special train no. 07542 (Jogbani -Katihar) will depart from Jogbani at 00:30 hours daily till November 6, 2022 to reach Katihar at 03:00 hours on the same day. Special train no. 07540 (Katihar – Manihari) will depart from Katihar at 20:30 hours daily till November 5, 2022 to reach Manihari at 21:30 hours on the same day. Special train no. 07539 (Manihari – Katihar) will depart from Manihari at 05:00 hours daily till November 6, 2022 to reach Katihar at 06:00 hours on the same day.
Another train no. 05707/05729 (Radhikapur – Katihar – Radhikapur) has been extended upto Manihari on daily basis till October 31, 2022 for the benefit of devotees. Train no. 05707 will depart from Katihar at 09:35 hours to reach Manihari at 10:00 hours. Train no. 05729 will depart from Manihari at 13:20 hours to reach Katihar at 13:45 hours.
A large number of devotees usually come to Manihari from different parts of Koshi area and adjacent districts of West Bengal for taking holy bath in Ganga on the occasion of Chhath Puja. Running of these special trains will be very helpful for those devotees who want to go to Manihari during the festive season.