Patna: Railway stations across Bihar are witnessing a sharp rise in passenger crowds as people begin returning to their workplaces after the Holi festival. Sleeper and air-conditioned coaches on several major trains are fully booked, leaving many travellers struggling to find confirmed seats.
To manage the heavy rush at major junctions, railway authorities have deployed additional security personnel. Teams from the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF) and quick response units have been stationed at busy stations to help regulate passenger movement and ensure safety.
The surge in passengers has been visible on several long-distance trains including the Magadh Express, Sampoorna Kranti Express, Brahmaputra Mail, Rajendra Nagar–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express, Patna–Hatia and Danapur–Secunderabad services. Many trains operating from Bihar towards Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities are running at near full capacity.
Railway officials said that, in response to the growing demand, the operating period of several special trains has been extended. According to Saraswati Chandra, chief public relations officer of East Central Railway, the services of 28 Holi special trains — including the Patna–New Delhi Special — have been extended to ease travel during the peak return period.
Under the revised schedule, train number 03293 Patna–New Delhi Special will run daily from March 16 to 30, while the return service, train number 03294 New Delhi–Patna Special, will operate daily from March 17 to 31. The Danapur–Anand Vihar Special (03257) will run every Sunday from March 15 to 29, and the Anand Vihar–Danapur Special (03258) will operate every Monday from March 16 to 30.
Other services include the Sheikhpura–Anand Vihar Special (03697), which will run on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between March 16 and 30, and the Anand Vihar–Sheikhpura Special (03698), scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from March 17 to 31. Additional services numbered 02397 and 02398 between Sheikhpura and Anand Vihar will also operate on selected dates in March to accommodate the increased passenger demand.
