Samastipur: As the countdown to Chhath Puja 2025 begins, the Samastipur Railway Division has announced sweeping changes to handle the expected surge of passengers traveling across Bihar. From October 28 to November 7, platform ticket sales will be temporarily suspended at major railway stations — Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Saharsa, and Sitamarhi — in an effort to control overcrowding and ensure commuter safety.
The Chhath festival, a major cultural and religious celebration dedicated to Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya, draws millions of devotees to Bihar’s ghats and hometowns every year. Railways have described this move as a “preventive step” to manage the massive rush and avoid any untoward incident during the four-day festival.
Crowd Control and Safety Protocols
To handle the festive rush, authorities have deployed CCTV monitoring, created designated holding areas, and imposed restrictions on sitting or standing along staircases and foot overbridges. Railway staff and RPF personnel will be on alert to manage the movement of passengers.
In a first, region-based waiting zones have been created for travellers heading to destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, South India, and Kolkata, enabling smoother coordination and better crowd management.
Help Booths and Mobile Ticketing
The division has launched mobile UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) facilities and “May I Help You” counters at key stations. Officials stationed there will provide real-time updates on train schedules, crowd situations, and ticket assistance.
Timetables of special and regular trains have also been prominently displayed inside PRS/UTS halls for passenger convenience.
Facilities for Senior Citizens and Smooth Entry-Exit
For senior citizens, the division has arranged wheelchairs and separate entry and exit routes between platforms and waiting areas to avoid crowd overlap.
Special Safety Directives Near Tracks
Railways have also flagged safety concerns near rivers and ponds adjacent to tracks, where devotees often perform Chhath rituals. Officers have been directed to monitor such areas closely and ensure safe train operations.
Ranjit Kumar Singh, Public Relations Officer of the Samastipur Division, urged citizens to follow safety norms and plan journeys ahead of time.
“Plan your travel in advance, avoid unnecessary entry into stations, and follow the safety advisories to ensure a smooth and safe Chhath Puja,” he said.
