Patna: Train delays have disrupted travel plans for passengers heading to Patna ahead of Chhath, with several festival special trains running between 24 and 26 hours behind schedule. Delays to regular services have also added to the rush at Patna Junction, leaving passengers waiting for extended periods.
According to the available train-running report on November 12, some of the worst-affected services include the Howrah Special Fare Special and Patna Jansadharan Festival Special, both delayed by nearly 26 hours. The Anand Vihar Terminal-Bhagalpur Festival Special was also running more than 24 hours late.
Several Festival Special Trains Delayed By More Than 24 Hours
The 04052 Howrah Special Fare Special was reported to be running 25 hours and 59 minutes late. The 04404 Patna Jansadharan Festival Special was delayed by 25 hours and 54 minutes, while the 04478 Anand Vihar Terminal-Bhagalpur Festival Special was running 24 hours and 32 minutes behind schedule.
The 22362 Rajendra Nagar Terminal Amrit Bharat Express was also delayed by around 24 hours, adding to the difficulties of passengers travelling to Bihar for the festival.
Regular Trains Also Running Behind Schedule
Several regular and other special trains arriving in Patna were also affected. The 22360 Mumbai CSMT-Patna Superfast Express was delayed by 9 hours and 32 minutes, while the 12336 Mumbai LTT-Bhagalpur Superfast Express was running 8 hours and 27 minutes late.
The 22947 Surat-Bhagalpur Superfast Express was delayed by 8 hours and 49 minutes. The 04088 Patna Special and 04078 Darbhanga Amrit Bharat Chhath Puja Special were running 10 hours and 41 minutes and 9 hours and 43 minutes late, respectively.
Other affected services included the Brahmaputra Mail, New Delhi Amrit Bharat Express, Tejas Rajdhani Express, Kumbh Express and Kota-Patna Express, with delays ranging from over an hour to nearly seven hours.
Heavy Rush At Patna Junction
The delays have coincided with increased passenger movement ahead of Chhath. Patna Junction has witnessed heavy crowds, particularly around general and sleeper coaches, as passengers wait for delayed trains and try to board services amid the rush.
Families travelling with children and elderly members have also faced difficulties because of prolonged waiting periods. Passengers with connecting train journeys are concerned that the delays could disrupt their onward travel plans.
Passengers Advised To Check Train Status
With several trains running significantly behind schedule, passengers travelling to Patna have been advised to check the latest running status of their trains before leaving for the station. The delays are particularly inconvenient for people returning to Bihar to celebrate Chhath with their families.
The festival period generally sees a sharp increase in passenger traffic on routes connecting Patna with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major cities. The reported delays have added to the travel challenges during one of the busiest periods for railway services in the region.
