Patna: Despite operating more than 90 pairs of festival special trains, the railways is facing a major challenge in managing the passenger rush during the Durga Puja festivities. With people travelling to their hometowns and popular destinations for the celebrations, stations across the East Central Railway (ECR) jurisdiction, particularly Patna Junction, have witnessed a significant rise in passenger footfall.The railways has anticipated an additional movement of 15 lakh to 20 lakh passengers during the festive season. While special trains have added to its carrying capacity, managing the rush remains a challenge, especially at major stations across the ECR jurisdiction.Patna Junction, a major railway hub, has emerged as a key congestion point, with large crowds gathering on platforms, at ticket counters, in waiting halls and in station circulation areas.To ensure passengers’ safety and regulate crowds, the railways has strengthened security arrangements at major stations. Drone cameras are being used to monitor crowd movement and identify areas of heavy congestion, while additional railway security personnel have been deployed to manage passengers’ movement and maintain order, ECR chief public relations officer Saraswati Chandra said.Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel have been stationed at sensitive locations, including platforms, foot overbridges, ticket booking counters and waiting halls. They are keeping a close watch on passenger movement to prevent overcrowding and avert stampedes and other untoward incidents during peak travel hours, he said.Railway officials are also focusing on the smooth movement of passengers boarding and alighting from trains. Managing crowds becomes particularly challenging when several trains arrive or depart within a short interval, resulting in a sudden surge in passenger numbers, Chandra said.More than 90 pairs of special trains are scheduled to make at least 3,000 trips till Nov 25 to ease the festive rush, he added.
