With the Chhath festival approaching, the railways have begun preparations to provide confirmed tickets to passengers travelling home after Diwali. Extra coaches will be added to trains running from Lucknow towards Bihar and Purvanchal, offering relief to passengers on the waiting list.
This year, the Chhath festival begins on October 25 with Nahay Khay and concludes on October 28 with the Arghya (offering to the rising sun). Trains from Lucknow to districts such as Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Deoria, and Ballia, as well as to Bihar, have seen long waiting lists from October 24 onwards.
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Several trains, including the Gorakhpur Intercity, Gwalior-Barauni Express, Utsarg Express, Lucknow-Barauni Express, Lucknow-Chhapra Express, and Pilibhit-Gorakhpur Express, have extensive waitlists in both sleeper and AC classes.
To meet the increased demand, the railway administration has ordered the addition of 34 extra coaches across 17 trains in the Lucknow railway division, which will allow tickets for approximately 2,800 waitlisted passengers to be confirmed. Trains set to receive additional coaches include the Lucknow-Barauni Express, Lucknow-Chhapra Express, Utsarg Express, and Krishak Express.
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In view of expected crowds during the festival, security has been strengthened at all major stations. Additional contingents of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) have been deployed, with backup from the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) if required.
A special divisional cell has been set up to monitor drinking water arrangements, cleanliness, and passenger amenities. The cell includes officials from commercial, mechanical, engineering, signalling, safety, and security departments to ensure smooth and safe travel during the festival season.