In an attempt to cater to the extra rush of passengers, South Eastern Railway has decided to extend the services of the existing festival special trains to different destinations till December 30, observing all safety protocols.
The trains which travel via various stations of Ranchi and Chakradharpur divisions include Santragachi-Pune Special (via Tatanagar); Hatia-Yesvantpur (Bangalore) Special; Tatanagar- Yesvantpur Special; Hatia-LTT Special; Tatanagar-Danapur Special; Hatia-Purnia Court Special; Tatanagar-Chhapra Special; Tatanagar-Howrah Special; Hatia-Islampur Special and Ranchi-Howrah Special.
All special trains will continue to run as per existing timing and routes, said a notification issued by the office of chief passenger transportation manager at Garden Reach, the Calcutta-based headquarters of South Eastern Railway.
“The decision for extending the running of special trains was taken considering the overwhelming response from the passengers and surge in berth occupancy,” said Sanjay Ghosh, chief public relations officer of South Eastern Railway.
Notably, improvement in berth occupancy rate prompted the South Eastern Railway zone to resume the services of Howrah Barbil Jan Shatabdi Express from Saturday, November 28. The train runs via Tatanagar railway station.
According to the chief public relations officer, booking of tickets and reservations in the special trains (Up trains only) are available at all PRS (passenger reservation system) counters and through the internet.
“Passengers are requested to strictly follow all safety protocols before undertaking a journey in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.
Chhotanagpur Passenger Association, the largest outfit of the state which works for passengers’ welfare hailed the railway decision.
“We were happy to know that the South Eastern Railway has extended the running of all festival special trains. This will help passengers avoiding the rush and plan their journey conveniently,” said Arun Tiwari, general secretary of Chhotanagpur Passenger Association.
