As the state gears up for the grand celebrations of Chhath Puja, the Danapur Railway Division has introduced a series of crowd-control and safety measures at Patna Junction and nearby railway stations. The railway authorities expect an unprecedented surge in passenger movement as thousands of devotees travel home to take part in the four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God.
Temporary Closure of Main Parking Lot at Patna Junction
To ensure smooth movement of passengers and maintain order around the station, the main parking lot at Patna Junction will remain closed from October 24 to November 2, 2025. The railway administration stated that the closure aims to avoid congestion and allow easier access for passengers during the peak festive rush.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) of Danapur Division, Abhinav Siddharth, confirmed that the temporary closure is a preventive measure to handle the high passenger volume expected during Chhath Puja. He said that the number of passengers travelling through Patna Junction increases sharply every year during this period, making crowd management essential for safety and convenience.
Specific Parking Arrangements During the Festival
The railway administration has directed parking contractors to adhere to the revised parking plan. Out of the two main parking areas designated for vehicles heading toward Mahavir Temple, only the new parking facility near the GPO on the western side will remain functional. The Karbighhia-side parking and the western-side parking area will continue to operate as usual to serve the large inflow of vehicles.
Officials explained that restricting parking at certain locations would help reduce traffic congestion, ensure smoother pedestrian flow, and enable better coordination between railway personnel, police, and volunteers deployed for crowd control.
Danapur Division Prepares for Passenger Influx
Every year, Chhath Puja witnesses heavy passenger rush across Bihar, with Patna Junction being one of the busiest hubs. Anticipating this annual surge, the Danapur Railway Division has made elaborate arrangements to accommodate travellers and devotees arriving from different parts of the country.
According to railway officials, three special holding zones have been established at Patna Junction to manage waiting passengers. These zones together can accommodate around 7,500 people at a time. Each zone has been equipped with essential facilities to ensure comfort and safety while passengers wait for their trains.
Holding Areas at Other Major Stations
Apart from Patna Junction, Danapur Junction and Rajendra Nagar Terminal have also been brought under the special arrangement plan. Danapur Junction now has two holding areas, each with a capacity to hold 4,500 passengers. Meanwhile, Rajendra Nagar Terminal has been equipped with a 1,200-passenger holding facility.
These areas have been strategically placed to prevent overcrowding on platforms and in waiting halls. The goal is to maintain smooth passenger flow, prevent stampedes, and ensure an orderly boarding process.
Passenger Facilities and Safety Measures
The Danapur Division has installed CCTV cameras in all holding zones to monitor passenger activity and ensure security. Each holding area includes a “May I Help You” desk for guidance, along with public announcement systems and digital display boards that will provide real-time updates on train schedules and platform changes.
In addition to this, drinking water kiosks, first-aid counters, and mobile ticketing facilities have been arranged to help passengers save time and avoid queues. Officials emphasized that these arrangements aim to ensure that devotees and travellers experience minimal inconvenience during the festive season.
Increased Vigilance and Coordination Among Railway Staff
To manage the festive rush, railway staff and security personnel have been put on high alert. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) will jointly monitor station premises, platforms, and entry-exit points. Special teams have been deployed to regulate movement, guide passengers, and prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas.
Railway authorities are also coordinating with the Patna district administration and local police to control traffic and ensure emergency response readiness. Medical teams and fire safety units will remain on standby during the entire period of the Chhath festival.
Focus on Passenger Convenience During Chhath Puja
The railway administration has made it clear that the focus this year is on maintaining order and providing hassle-free travel for passengers. With lakhs of people expected to reach Patna by train, these measures are considered crucial for the safe management of crowds.
Danapur Division officials stated that passengers are being advised to arrive early, follow instructions from railway staff, and cooperate during security checks. Information boards have been placed at various entry points to direct people toward their respective holding areas and platforms.
Managing One of the Busiest Festive Seasons in Bihar
Chhath Puja holds immense cultural and emotional significance in Bihar, attracting devotees from across the country. Every year, Patna witnesses heavy movement of trains, with passengers returning from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad to participate in the ritual worship of the Sun God at the ghats of the Ganga River.
With the number of passengers growing each year, the railway administration faces the dual challenge of crowd control and maintaining train punctuality. Officials said that special trains have been introduced on several routes to manage the high demand, while regular services are being closely monitored to prevent delays.
Enhanced Communication for Real-Time Passenger Updates
To keep passengers informed, the Danapur Railway Division has enhanced its public information system. Announcements regarding train arrivals, departures, delays, and platform changes will be made frequently in Hindi and English. The division is also using mobile applications and social media channels to update travellers about the latest train schedules and any operational changes during the Chhath rush.
Passengers have been encouraged to use online ticketing platforms and mobile ticketing kiosks installed at stations to avoid standing in long queues. The authorities have also urged passengers to remain vigilant about their belongings and cooperate with security officials for smooth operations.
Railway Efforts to Ensure Safety and Order
During the Chhath Puja period, railway stations across the Danapur Division often witness long queues, crowded waiting halls, and heavy footfall on platforms. This year, officials are determined to maintain a safer and more organized environment.
Senior officials have conducted multiple inspection rounds at Patna Junction, Danapur Junction, and Rajendra Nagar Terminal to assess readiness. Additional signboards have been installed to direct the flow of passengers, and barricades have been placed to separate entry and exit routes.
The administration has also requested passengers to use public transport or alternative parking lots, as the main parking space at Patna Junction will remain inaccessible throughout the festive period.
The proactive steps taken by the Danapur Railway Division reflect the growing emphasis on passenger safety, crowd management, and operational efficiency during Bihar’s most celebrated festival. The temporary closure of the Patna Junction parking lot, creation of holding zones, and deployment of enhanced facilities aim to ensure a smooth and secure travel experience for thousands of devotees and travellers arriving for Chhath Puja.
As Bihar prepares to celebrate the festival with devotion and grandeur, these coordinated efforts by the railways and local administration stand as a vital part of managing one of the largest seasonal travel movements in the region.
