Title - No extra coach adds to Holi rush

The rush for train seats during Holi has gone from bad to worse, thanks to the railways’ failure to provide any extra coach.This is the first time in recent past that no extra coach was added to any train during Holi. The situation arose as the coaches allotted to Dhanbad division, which were sent to Allahabad during Kumbh to cope with the rush of devotees, are yet to return.As such, all Bihar-bound trains, originating from Dhanbad or passing through the coal town, are going chock-a-block with festive crowds heading home for the festival of colours. Such is the frenzy that many, who did not find any place to sit, occupied space meant for keeping luggage in the general compartments and even toilets.“No extra coach could be added to any of the train as we don’t have any. However, we have deputed a team of railway staff to ensure that passengers are not inconvenienced. The team has also been told to keep an eye on unscrupulous agents and brokers, particularly near unreserved ticketing counters and reservation counters,” said senior divisional commercial manager of Dhanbad division of East Central Railway Dayanand.This apart, railway protection force and government railway police have been put on alert. According to senior commandant of Railway Protection Force, Dhanbad, Sashi Kumar, extra policemen had been deputed in different trains and intensive monitoring of areas, where the rush is maximum, is on.

Some of the trains that are bursting at the seams are Ganga Damodar Express, Maurya Express, Ganga Sutlej Express and Patliputra Express from Hatia to Patna. Similar rush is being witnessed in trains coming to Dhanbad.

“Our intelligence agents have been posted at vital points, including near Passenger Reservation System counter, to watch out for dubious people trying to fleece passengers desperate to get tickets,” said Sashi, adding that the dog squad had been also put to use in several trains.

Special measures are being taken to prevent entry of male passengers in bogies reserved for women. The arrangements, which started from March 22, will be in place till April 2-3 or till the rush eases.

Superintendent of railway police Nagendra Chaudhary said more than 50-55 policemen had been sent to each railway police station under Dhanbad division. Policemen in plain clothes are also on duty at the stations.

“We have given special instruction to policemen to keep an eye on loot gangs, who first befriend passengers and then rob them after offering them drug-laced food,” Chaudhary said.