Despite the railways making alternative arrangements during festivals to manage the rush, passengers travelling from distant places including Ranchi to their hometowns are facing trouble as seats are neither available in trains nor in buses in sufficient numbers. Even the waiting lists do not hint of getting further improved following the present status.
Provision of additional coaches has been made covering the important routes. looking at the requirement, extra coaches have been attached with Hatia Gorakhpur (Maurya Express 15027), Hatia-Patna Express (18624) including Hatia-Yesvantpur Express (12835) on October 22 said Ranchi Rail Division, said Senior DCM, Neeraj Kumar.
According to the Senior DCM additional coaches have been added in trains that have regular frequency and sufficient footfall of passengers. “Special trains’ service starting from Ranchi Division has been initiated to cover up various routes. Hatia Pune (02846), Ranchi-Howrah (08628), Ranchi- Anand Vihar Terminal, New Delhi (08617), Ranchi-Patna Junction (08611) are special service trains that have been started on different weekdays to manage the crowd. Similarly, six special trains are passing through Ranchi Division. The special trains service has been initiated from Ranchi from October 20,” said Kumar.
However, not only the train services at present have been witnessing over crowd and have long waiting lists but commuters traveling to the adjoining States are finding it difficult to accommodate themselves in buses as well. The condition is such that the travel agents too seem helpless in such circumstances cited several passengers who are eager to reach their hometown for the occasion. Notably, heavy rush is witnessed in trains, buses during the ‘Chhath Puja’ every year.
“Every year, I witness similar situation this time. last year, I somehow managed to get reservation but looking at the advance bookings lists in different buses, it is impossible this year to reach home. Even travel agents seem helpless in this situation. Now, only way left out is to hire a private car to reach home on scheduled date,” said, a final year engineering student, Nidhi Garg, who hails from Patna.