Jamshedpur: To effectively handle the influx of passengers during Durga Puja, the Chakradharpur railway division plans to set up a temporary holding area at Tatanagar railway station. This initiative aims to streamline commuter movement and curb overcrowding.
The designated area will be located in the portico and parking lot adjacent to the main entrance. Passengers awaiting their trains will have access to seating and will be directed to the platforms in an orderly fashion after their tickets are checked. The objective is to facilitate smooth transit from the station’s entrance to the platforms and to minimize congestion during the festive period.
Railway officials have confirmed that the holding area will be equipped with chairs, ceiling fans, drinking water, and urinal facilities. The Railway Protection Force, Government Railway Police, and railway commercial staff will collaborate to ensure that boarding for both reserved and unreserved coaches is conducted in a disciplined manner. Passengers holding valid tickets will be permitted access to the platforms 30 minutes prior to their trains’ scheduled arrival.
Chakradharpur divisional railway manager Tarun Huria has instructed Tatanagar officials to provide regular announcements regarding train arrivals and departures. To ensure all passengers in the holding area receive timely updates, additional loudspeakers will be installed. The new facility is projected to be operational by October 13.
In addition, South Eastern Railway has revealed plans for three special long-distance train services through Tatanagar during the season. The Tatanagar-Buxar-Tatanagar special will operate every Tuesday from October 13 to November 24. The Itwari-Shalimar Puja Special is scheduled to run every Thursday from October 15 to 29, with the return service from Shalimar to Itwari on Fridays from October 16 to 30. This train will stop at Jharsuguda, Rourkela, Chakradharpur, Tatanagar, Kharagpur, and Santragachi. Furthermore, the Sambalpur-Santragachi Puja Special will depart from Sambalpur on October 14 and 21, with return trips from Santragachi planned for October 15 and 22.
