250 special trains for Chhath Puja: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Centre has started over 250 special trains for the upcoming Chhath Puja.

"For Chhath Puja, we have started over 250 trains. Around 1.4 lakhs berths have been made available and we will do whatever is necessary for the people," Ashwini Viashnaw said.

Notably, to manage the extra rush of passengers in the ongoing festive season, Indian Railways is running 2,561 trips of 211 special trains (in pairs) till Chhath Puja this year.

He further extended his greetings for the Chhath Puja.

"I wish everyone a very happy and prosperous Chhath Puja," the Union Minister added.

People worship the Sun God during the festival, which will be celebrated between October 28-31 this year.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Railways released an official statement, stating that the Indian Railways will be running additional 32 special services to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for passengers during this festive season.

Special Trains have been planned to connect major destinations across the country on railway routes, like Darbhanga, Azamgarh, Saharsa, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Firozpur, Patna, Katihar and Amritsar etc. Earlier, the Ministry statement also read that "May I Help You" booths are kept operational at important stations where RPF Personnel and TTEs are deputed for proper assistance and guidance of the passengers. Medical Teams are available at major stations on call. Ambulance with the paramedical team is also available.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar appealed to the Centre earlier on Tuesday to provide special trains for Chhath Puja for people wishing to go to their native places for the festival.Bihar appealed to the ministry of railways to provide special trains for Chhath Puja.

The chief secretary of Bihar on the instructions of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar spoke to the senior officials of the Ministry of Railways over the phone to increase the number of special trains in view of Chhath Mahaparv," said an official press release in Hindi.

"Chhath Mahaparv is the most important festival of Bihar. There is a large number of Biharis living outside Bihar who returns to the state to attend the Mahaparv," the Chief Secretary said.

A watch on any malpractices - like cornering of seats, over-charging and touting activity etc. is being done and strictly monitored. Crowd controlling measures by forming queues at the terminus stations under the supervision of RPF staff for orderly entry of passengers in unreserved coaches is being ensured, the Railways Ministry had said earlier.

Chhath Puja is one of the most auspicious festivals in Bihar, Jharkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The four-day-long festival starts with the 'Nahai Khai' ritual and ends with 'Usha Arghya' (prayers to the rising sun).

People worship the Sun God during the festival, which will be celebrated between October 28-31 this year.

The festival is dedicated to Surya Bhagwan (Sun God), which people believe sustains life on Earth.

( With inputs from ANI )

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