Patna is bracing for unprecedented rail passenger movement as Chhath Puja coincides with Bihar assembly elections this year. Anticipating crowds similar to the Mahakumbh 2025 pilgrimage, Indian Railways has mobilised extensive security and crowd management measures, ensuring commuter safety while maintaining smooth operations across the region. Multi-agency control rooms have been activated, and Railway Police have been placed on high alert to implement a robust, coordinated strategy.
Officials of the Danapur Rail Division have taken proactive measures to streamline passenger flow at key junctions. Patna Junction’s main parking stand will remain closed from October 24 to November 2, freeing space for thousands of devotees. The New Parking Stand near the GPO on the western side remains operational, while Karbigahiya side parking facilities will also continue to function, balancing accessibility with crowd management.
Holding areas have been established at major stations to accommodate peak passenger surges. Patna Junction now features three holding zones with a combined capacity of 7,500 people, while Danapur Junction and Rajendra Nagar Terminal host additional zones for 4,500 and 1,200 passengers respectively. These areas are equipped with CCTV monitoring, first-aid facilities, mobile ticketing support, public announcement systems, and dedicated help desks to ensure both safety and convenience.
Railway Police have also coordinated platform management to prevent last-minute changes, historically a cause of stampedes. Special measures have been implemented for return journeys, anticipating the large volume of devotees departing simultaneously after the festival. To further ensure safety near Chhath ghats, trains will reduce speed and sound horns while crossing bridges or lines adjacent to these sensitive areas during arghya rituals.
Railway authorities emphasise information transparency, displaying train arrival, departure, and platform data prominently outside stations. Collaboration between station management and security personnel aims to reduce confusion and optimise passenger flow. These preparations, modelled on large-scale pilgrimage crowd control frameworks, reflect a blend of logistical planning, technology integration, and public safety priorities.
As Bihar witnesses simultaneous festive and electoral travel, the railway administration’s approach highlights the need for sustainable crowd management and safety-focused operational planning in Indian cities. The measures also demonstrate Indian Railways’ commitment to leveraging structured multi-agency strategies to ensure smooth, secure, and orderly passenger movement during peak travel periods.
Patna Prepares Kumbh-Scale Rail Operations Ahead of Chhath Puja and Elections
