Daltonganj: East Central Railway has directed stations in the Dhanbad division to implement safety measures during Chhath Puja when devotees cross railway lines to reach Chhath Ghats.
Daltonganj railway station, a high-grade station under the Dhanbad division, will be among those implementing these measures.
Station superintendent Umesh Kumar said, “Following orders, caution notes will be issued to engine crews of all goods and passenger trains to maintain appropriate speed at their discretion.”
“Crews will be instructed to maintain vigilance and use long whistles while passing through these sections,” he added. Approximately 120-130 pairs of trains pass through the Garhwa Road-Barkakana section daily, which includes Daltonganj station. The caution period will last 20 hours, from 2 PM on November 7 to 10 AM on November 8.
RPF inspector-in-charge Banarasi Yadav identified four major crossing points: Amanat river bridge, Panjari, Lalgarh Bihar station, and west of Garhwa Road junction. “RPF personnel will be deployed at these locations from November 7 to noon on November 8,” said Yadav.
Each location requires devotees to cross three or four tracks. RPF jawans will assist elderly and fragile devotees in crossing safely. Special attention will be given to women and children, who form a significant portion of the devotees. The measures aim to prevent accidents during the festival when large crowds gather at Chhath ghats.