Thousands of migrants return to Bihar for Chhath and upcoming elections

Patna: Thousands of migrants returned to the state on Sunday, not just for celebrating Chhath with their families, but also to exercise their right to vote in the festival of democracy.

The state goes to poll on Nov 6 and 11, close on the heels of Chhath that started on Saturday.With most migrants arriving at Patna Junction, before embarking on their journey to nearby home districts, East Central Railway (ECR) has significantly enhanced train services and security, managing an added daily footfall of three to four lakh passengers. This rush is expected to continue until Monday, the main day of puja during Chhath, when ‘arghya’ will be offered to the setting Sun.Across the ECR zones — Danapur, Samastipur, Sonpur, Dhanbad (Jharkhand) Mughalsarai (UP) — more than 300 trains are running daily. The total Chhath influx, primarily from major metropolitan hubs like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, is estimated to be between 15 and 20 lakh. To meet the massive demand, ECR has already introduced 6,181 special trains to and from Patna Junction, with an additional 900 slated for introduction, totalling 7,081 special trains.

These expanded services will be available until Nov 13, covering the period of elections.A senior Railway Protection Force (RPF) officer said those who observe the Chhath fast arrived by Saturday to participate in the 'nahay khay' ritual, while the remaining family members were expected to arrive by Sunday night or early Monday morning for the main ceremony. “To manage the rush, 183 RPF personnel, including 98 from outside Bihar and 20 from other divisions within the state, have been deployed until the result day.

As many 36 are assigned in both shifts to the most crowded areas — platforms two-three, four-five and eight-nine. Furthermore, two Quick Response Teams (QRTs), each comprising 10 officers and staff, are ready for emergencies,” the officer said.The returning migrants expressed their resolve to celebrate with family despite travel difficulties. ‘We were sceptical about securing a ticket, but the increased number of Chhath special trains came to our rescue,” said Surbhi Kumari, who arrived via special train 02310 from Delhi en route to Muzaffarpur.Rakesh Kumar Jha, a chartered accountant, and his wife Priyanka travelled to Patna on Brahmaputra Express, before heading towards Madhepura. Priyanka, regretting missing initial rituals, said, “My husband had important audit work, so we couldn't come on Saturday. Even though I missed the first two rituals, I will join my family for the final ceremonies. Depending on his audit schedule, we might even be able to stay for the elections.

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