In move to clear extra rush of passengers during Chhath, South Eastern Railway has decided to run one pair of unreserved special train between Santragachi and Barauni via Tatanagar on  November 1 and  the return train will leave Barauni on November 3.

The special train consisting of 16 general second class coaches will have stoppages at Kharagpur, Tatanagar, Chandil, Purulia, Joychandi Pahar, Asansol, Chittaranjan, Madhupur, Jasidih, Jhajha and Kiul between Santragachi and   Barauni. Sources informed that all Bihar-bound passenger trains either originating or passing through Tatanagar and long distance buses are witnessing a huge rush of passengers.  Waiting lists for several long-distance trains, headed for the neighbouring State, have crossed the 150 mark. Chhath, one of the biggest festivities in Bihar and Jharkhand, will be celebrated on November 2 and 3 this year. Sources at the computerised passenger reservation centre at Tatanagar revealed that the Tata-Danapur Superfast Express and the Durg-Danapur South Bihar Express show long waiting lists between October 24 and 29. Tatanagar station official said that they are taking extra care this time to provide relief to the commuters travelling in general coaches as they are the ones who have to bear the brunt of the menace created by some anti-social elements. “Chhath is an important festival for the people of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Every year people in large number visit their native places. We will make sure that we provide a comfortable journey to the commuters.

We will also ensure that the commuters do not face any problem due to unwarranted behaviour of any anti-social elements,” noted the official.

U K Srivastava, a senior functionary, Chotanagpur Passengers Association said that thousands of people from the steel city and other places visit Bihar during this time to celebrate Chhath with their families, the initiative to run special train will provide ease to the passengers.