Patna : Indian Railways has introduced special arrangements at major railway stations across Bihar to manage the rush of passengers returning to other states after Diwali and Chhath. At Patna Junction, a 6,000-square-foot holding area has been prepared to accommodate passengers and reduce overcrowding on platforms.
The holding area has seating arrangements, train information display boards, public announcement facilities, drinking water and a medical booth. Similar temporary passenger holding facilities have been arranged at other major stations, including Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Danapur and Patliputra Junction.
Railway officials said the arrangements are aimed at ensuring smoother passenger movement, reducing pressure on platforms and preventing overcrowding during the festive return rush.
Patna Junction Gets Dedicated Passenger Holding Area
The holding area has been developed at the northern, eastern and southern ends of Patna Junction. Chairs have been installed to allow passengers to wait comfortably before their trains arrive.
Display boards will provide information about train movements, while announcements will keep passengers updated about arrivals and other operational details. Medical assistance and drinking water will also be available at the facility.
The railway administration expects the arrangement to reduce unnecessary crowding on platforms by allowing passengers to wait in designated areas.
Platform Changes To Be Restricted, Announcements 30 Minutes In Advance
To prevent confusion and sudden movement among passengers, railway officials have directed that platforms should not be changed except in special circumstances.
The platform number for a train must be announced at least 30 minutes before its scheduled arrival. The measure is intended to give passengers sufficient time to reach the correct platform and reduce the possibility of panic or stampede-like situations.
Parking And Parcel Booking Suspended Till November 25
As part of the crowd-management measures, parking facilities within the station premises will remain suspended until November 25. The restriction is intended to reduce vehicle movement around stations and make passenger access easier.
Railway authorities have also suspended both inward and outward parcel bookings from November 14 to November 25. The move is aimed at reducing the movement of goods and easing operational pressure at stations during the busy period.
Special War Room To Remain Active Round The Clock
A dedicated war room will operate from November 16 to November 25 to monitor crowd management, train operations and security arrangements.
Officials from the operations, commercial and security departments, along with personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP), will be deployed in the control facility.
The war room will continuously monitor passenger footfall, station conditions and security arrangements at major stations. Officials will also coordinate responses to emergencies and other unexpected situations.
Four Additional RPF Companies Deployed For Security
Railway authorities have deployed four additional companies of the RPF to strengthen security during the festive rush. More than 250 security personnel have also been assigned to different locations at Patna Junction, including foot overbridges, station premises and parking areas.
According to GRP Additional Superintendent of Police Rashmi, RPF and railway police teams are keeping a close watch on suspicious activities across station premises.
Special checking and search operations are also being conducted daily. Security personnel have been instructed to patrol designated areas and maintain surveillance over suspicious individuals.
The arrangements are intended to ensure safer and more orderly travel for passengers returning to other states after the Chhath festivities.
