Patna: The East Central Railway (ECR) has proposed to add an additional Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coach to 32 major trains originating from Bihar in a bid to ease passenger congestion during the upcoming festive season, which includes Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath.
If approved, the move will see the number of coaches on these trains rise from 22 to 23, with officials stating that the measure is intended to reduce crowding on long-distance routes and provide greater comfort for travellers.
Trains identified for the expansion include the Patna–New Delhi Sampoorna Kranti Express, Patna–Kota Express, Patliputra–Chandigarh Express, Gaya–New Delhi Express, Saharsa–New Delhi Express, Darbhanga–New Delhi Express and several services connecting Raxaul with Delhi, Mumbai and other destinations.
According to railway officials, the proposal has been sent to the Railway Board, which has sought immediate reports from the concerned zonal railways regarding operational feasibility of running 23-coach trains.
Like previous years, Indian Railways is also planning to operate additional Puja Special services to meet soaring demand. Every year, thousands of people return to Bihar to celebrate Diwali and Chhath, leading to overcrowding in trains and difficulties for passengers on both long- and short-distance routes.
