Durga Puja preparations are going on in full swing in Kolkata. After almost two years, Durga Puja will be celebrated with full zeal and joy without any COVID-related restrictions. To mark this festive season, the Eastern Railways announced that all computerised ticketing counters at Kolkata and Howrah railway stations will operate in a single shift from 8 AM to 2 PM. Railways will also run pujo special trains.
The offices will operate in one shift during the Durga Puja festival from October 3 to 5, 2022 as well as on October 24 and 25, due to Diwali. However, the no-reservation desks at Howrah, Sealdah, and Kolkata stations will remain open for Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Diwali.
Also Read: Durga Puja 2022: Kolkata police Utsav app features details on 60 iconic pandals for travellers
Special Trains To Operate This Durga Puja
This year, Durga Puja will be held from October 1 to 5. The Railways has also announced that it will run special trains on the days of Durga Puja to deal with the massive influx of commuters. The special trains will run to and from Kolkata, Ajmer, and Haridwar. Bookings for these trains have already started. The Eastern Railway will provide services between Sealdah and New Jalpaiguri too.
Also read: Kolkata Durga Puja wins UNESCO heritage status & it is a matter of pride for every Indian
Kolkata Metro has also announced special services such as weekend specials and all-night trains on the North-South corridor. The operational hours of the metro have also been extended.
IRCTC Launches Pujo Special Dishes For All Passengers
To mark the Durga Puja festival, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a pujo-special menu for rail passengers. To make train travel a little more traditional this year, IRCTC has taken up this unique initiative.
So, grab your train tickets ASAP!
Cover image courtesy: Unsplash