Special Trains May Be Launched In Konkan Region For Ganesh Chaturthi

The Indian Railways is likely to announce special trains for the Konkan region for the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi festival after having consulted the Maharashtra government about the same, said an official on Saturday to PTI news agency.

The Central Railway had written to the state government seeking its views on running special trains to the Konkan region through Central, Western and Konkan railways, the official said.

Director of the state Disaster Management Unit Abhay Yawalkar has informed the principal chief operations manager of the Central Railway that special trains may be scheduled for the 10-day festival, which begins on 22 August.

The number of trains and frequency can be determined based on the demand, he said, adding that a valid confirmed ticket can also serve as an e-pass.

Yawalkar also asked the Railways to ensure that all COVID-19 norms framed by the state and Central governments, including social distancing and sanitisation, are followed in trains and at railway stations.