KKN Gurugram Desk | With the summer vacations approaching, East Central Railway has launched a special train service from Patliputra Station to Jhanjharpur. This service will run until July 31, catering to the increasing number of travelers during this time. The railway authorities have made this decision anticipating the surge in passengers post the board exams, as students and families will be traveling for summer holidays.

Highlights of the Special Train Service

• Special Train Introduced for summer vacation travel.

• Service Operates Until July 31, offering extended travel options.

• Key Stops: Patliputra, Sonpur, Hajipur, Baruni, Begusarai, and other stations.

• Increased Train Frequency in response to higher demand.

East Central Railway Launches Special Train for Summer Holidays

In an effort to meet the increased demand during the summer holidays, East Central Railway has decided to operate a special train between Patliputra and Jhanjharpur starting from March 2025. Railway authorities expect a surge in passengers as the board exams conclude, prompting many to travel for their vacations.

The special train will operate until July 31, and it is expected to provide much-needed relief to the passengers traveling from Patna to various parts of Northern Bihar. This extension of the train service is designed to accommodate the increased travel demand during the summer months.

Train Schedule and Stops

The Patliputra to Jhanjharpur special train will run with the following schedule:

• The train will depart Jhanjharpur at 03:00 AM and will reach Patliputra at 11:40 AM.

• The return train from Patliputra will depart at 12:15 PM and will arrive in Jhanjharpur at 10:35 PM.

The train will stop at various important stations along the route, including Sonpur, Hajipur, Shahpur Patory, Bachwara, Barauni, Begusarai, Khagaria, Mansi, Bakhitiyarpur, Simri, Saharsa, Supaul, Sarai Garh, Nirmali, Ghoghardiha, Tumaria, and Jhanjharpur. This will allow passengers from various towns and villages to board the train at convenient locations.

Why This Special Train Service is Crucial

This special service will be beneficial for passengers traveling to Northern Bihar from Patna, as it will provide an easier and more comfortable journey to their native villages. Many passengers traveling from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and other major hubs will now have a direct route from Patliputra to their homes in the northern region of Bihar. This initiative will significantly reduce the travel time and ensure better connectivity during the peak travel season.

The introduction of this special train is particularly timely, as it coincides with the summer holiday season when families and students are heading to their hometowns after the board exams. This decision by East Central Railway highlights the importance of enhancing rail connectivity to accommodate the growing demand during the holiday period.

Increased Railway Services Due to Higher Passenger Demand

As the summer holidays approach, the demand for travel, especially by train, is expected to peak. In addition to the special train service between Patliputra and Jhanjharpur, railway authorities have also indicated that they will increase the frequency of trains in the coming days to meet the rising passenger demand.

As Eid approaches, the number of travelers is expected to increase even further. People from various states are starting to return to their hometowns to celebrate the festival with their families. This rise in passenger traffic is expected to affect both down routes (from Patna to Northern Bihar) and up routes (from other parts of the country to Patna).

Managing the Surge in Passenger Crowds

In light of the increasing number of travelers, especially on routes passing through Narkatiaganj Junction, the Rail Police and RPF (Railway Protection Force) have increased their vigilance. The authorities have implemented strict measures to ensure passenger safety and maintain order in the face of rising crowds.

Train services such as Saptkranti Superfast, Satygrah, Garib Rath, Champaaran Satyagrah, Champaaran Humsafar, Amarnath Express, Maduadih, Porbandar, Raptiganga, and Awdh Express are seeing a massive influx of passengers. The trains are crowded, with passengers standing in aisles, on doorsteps, and even inside bathrooms due to the unavailability of seating. Additionally, some reserved compartments are being converted into general compartments, further exacerbating the overcrowding.

The authorities have deployed plainclothes officers to ensure that the situation is monitored discreetly, keeping a watchful eye on any potential incidents. The rail police and RPF are also running awareness campaigns to educate passengers about the importance of maintaining order during this busy travel period. They are encouraging travelers to be more cautious and to follow safety protocols to avoid any accidents or mishaps.

Eid and Holi Festivities Increase Train Crowds

With the Eid festival approaching, a large number of travelers from various parts of the country are heading home. In addition to the regular travelers, people returning after celebrating Holi are also contributing to the overcrowded trains.

The down routes (heading towards Bihar from other parts of the country) are experiencing particularly heavy crowds. In these circumstances, the rail authorities have urged all passengers to remain patient and to cooperate with railway staff to ensure smooth travel for everyone. Measures are in place to prevent any untoward incidents and to manage the crowd in an orderly manner.

Looking Ahead: Further Plans to Increase Train Services

Given the high demand for travel and the approaching festival season, railway authorities have stated that they are considering further increasing the number of special trains in the coming weeks. The rising demand, especially with the Eid and summer holidays, has prompted the railway department to take steps to ensure that passengers can travel safely and comfortably.

East Central Railway has also emphasized that they are focusing on improving passenger experience by upgrading facilities at stations and trains. They are working towards reducing overcrowding by introducing more trains on heavily trafficked routes.

The launch of the special train service between Patliputra and Jhanjharpur is an important step by East Central Railway to improve connectivity and address the growing passenger demand during the summer vacation period. This service, running until July 31, will provide much-needed relief to travelers in Northern Bihar and will also offer more convenience to those returning home for Eid and other festivals.

As the demand for train services continues to rise, railway authorities are taking necessary actions to manage the crowds and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. With more special trains expected in the coming days, travelers can look forward to a smoother and more comfortable journey in the upcoming peak travel season.