The upcoming Chhath Puja celebrations have led to significant disruptions in train services across the Sealdah Division in Eastern Railway, impacting circular railway schedules and canceling multiple routes to ensure safe and manageable travel. Authorities announced these changes to accommodate the large numbers expected to participate in the traditional Dandi Katha ritual associated with Chhath Puja. The Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway released a statement on Monday outlining the schedule adjustments based on requests from the state administration.
The cancellations and route adjustments will be in effect on November 7 (Thursday) and November 8 (Friday), with specific routes being canceled, shortened, or diverted. The circular railway system, which serves as a critical connection for suburban commuters, will also see changes, including speed controls on certain trains to maintain safety.
Train Services Altered for Chhath Puja
Eastern Railway has taken these preventive measures in response to concerns about crowd management and safety during Chhath Puja. Below is a summary of the impacted services:
Trains Operating Up to Kolkata Station Only
Several trains will terminate at Kolkata Station instead of their usual destinations, including:
- 30322 Hasnabad–BBD Bag
- 30128 Kalyani Simanta–Majerhat
- 30324 Hasnabad–Majerhat
- 30346 Bangaon–Majerhat
- 30312 Barasat–Majerhat
- 30122 Naihati–Ballygunge
- 30314 Dattapukur–Majerhat
Trains Starting From Kolkata Station
The following services will commence from Kolkata Station:
- 30145 BBD Bag–Krishnanagar
- 30121 Majerhat–Naihati
- 30333 Majerhat–Habra
- 30311 Majerhat–Barasat
- 30331 Majerhat–Habra
- 30111 Ballygunge–Barrackpore
- 30313 Majerhat–Barasat
Trains with Modified Routes and Shortened Destinations
Some trains will be redirected or will end their journeys at alternative stations. Examples include:
- 30344 Bangaon–Majerhat, terminating at Barasat
- 30154 Naihati–Majerhat, ending at Sealdah Station
- 30142 Gede–Majerhat local will take an alternative route via Tala
- 30332 Naihati–Majerhat local will pass through Ballygunge to reach its destination
- 30152 Naihati–Majerhat local will also proceed via Ballygunge
Trains Terminating at Ballygunge Station
The following trains will conclude their routes at Ballygunge:
- 30342 Bangaon–Majerhat
- 30112 Barrackpore–Majerhat
Canceled Train Services
Several train routes will be fully canceled during this period:
- 30412 Sealdah–BBD Bag
- 30416 Sealdah–BBD Bag
- 31223 Sealdah–Barrackpore
- 30113 BBD Bag–Barrackpore–BBD Bag
Additional Shortened Services Starting From Kolkata Station
Certain services from Kolkata Station will have shortened routes to accommodate the influx of passengers:
- 30145 BBD Bag–Krishnanagar Junction
- 30121 Majerhat–Naihati
- 30333 Majerhat–Habra
- 30311 Majerhat–Barasat
- 30331 Majerhat–Habra
- 30111 Ballygunge–Barrackpore
- 30313 Majerhat–Barasat
Further modifications include:
- 30123 Majerhat–Naihati will operate only up to Sealdah
- 30321 Majerhat–Hasnabad will terminate at Ballygunge
- 30317 Majerhat–Dattapukur will conclude at Ballygunge
- 30712 Majerhat–Laksikantapur will operate up to Ballygunge
This is not the first time that train services have been adjusted due to large-scale religious events. Earlier this month, similar restrictions were placed on the circular railway services during Kali Puja immersion ceremonies, with three days of disruptions implemented from November 1. For safety reasons, several trains’ routes were shortened, and alternate routes were established to manage the flow of passengers.
Safety Measures and Commuter Impact
Eastern Railway’s decision to curtail services is aimed at minimizing overcrowding and preventing accidents during the festival. The adjusted schedules may cause some inconvenience to commuters, especially those who rely on circular railway services for daily travel. Passengers are advised to check train schedules in advance and plan accordingly.
Eastern Railway and local authorities have requested the public’s cooperation to ensure smooth operations and safe celebrations during Chhath Puja. These temporary changes reflect the railway’s commitment to public safety during high-density events. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and make further adjustments if necessary.
The Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway has appealed to passengers to stay informed about train schedules and allow additional travel time if necessary. With the Supreme Court’s recent directives on public safety during religious gatherings, railway authorities are also taking measures to comply with these mandates to ensure that festival-goers have a secure and convenient journey.
The adjustments to Eastern Railway’s Sealdah Division services highlight the extensive planning and resource allocation required for Chhath Puja. With thousands of devotees participating, these measures reflect the need for balance between tradition and public safety. As Chhath Puja approaches, the Eastern Railway requests that passengers stay updated on route changes and support these efforts to ensure a peaceful and successful celebration.