In view of the passenger rush during the festive season ahead South Eastern Railway has announced running of two AC bi-weekly special trains.
The (02222) Howrah-Pune AC bi-weekly special will run from Howrah every Thursday and Saturday from October 15. In the return, (02221) Pune-Howrah AC bi-weekly special will leave Pune every Saturday and Monday with effect from October 17.
The special train will run as per the timings and stoppages of Howrah-Pune Duronto Express.
The Howrah-Pune AC bi-weekly special will leave Howrah every Thursday and Saturday at 8.25 a.m. The train will reach Tatanagar at 11.40 a.m. The train will reach Pune on every Friday and Sunday at 11.45 am.
In the opposite direction the Howrah-Pune AC bi-weekly special ( Dn ) will leave Pune at 3.45 p.m every Saturday and Monday. The train will reach Tatanagar at 4.30 pm on every Sunday and Tuesday. The scheduled arrival time of the train at Howrah railway station is 7.45 pm on Sunday and Tuesday.
According to a circular issued by Garden Reach, headquarters of South Eastern Railway the second new train which was announced today -02807 Santragachi-Chennai AC bi-weekly Special will run from Santragachi every Tuesday and Friday with effect from October 16. In the return direction, 02808 Chennai-Santragachi AC bi-weekly Special will leave Chennai every Thursday and Sunday with effect from October 18.
An official at the ticket reservation counter here said, “From Durga Puja to Chhat we expect the passengers to rush to maintain the same trend and it is therefore additional arrangements are being made on a temporary basis.”
He went on to add that during the pujas, people traveling between New Delhi and Kolkata increases manifold so it is essential to ensure proper journey of the passengers.
“We are also planning to start new facilities for bookings and other for the
passengers,” noted a senior officer of SER.
Meanwhile, the decision of SER to introduce coaches has given people a reason to smile. “The decision is a welcome move from the Railways. This would ensure a peaceful journey. One can look forward to meeting relatives and friends during the festive season,” said UK Srivastava, a senior functionary of Chotanagpur Passengers’ Association.