Patna: In view of the ongoing Pitripaksh Mela, East Central Railway (ECR) has decided to provide temporary stoppages for several passenger trains at Punpun Ghat, Anugrah Narayan Road and Chiraila Pauthu stations located in Aurangabad district to facilitate pilgrims performing rituals for their ancestors.According to ECR chief public relations officer (CPRO) Saraswati Chandra, a two-minute stoppage has been granted to at least 22 passenger trains at Punpun Ghat station from Sept 25 to Oct 10. The decision has been taken keeping in mind the convenience of devotees visiting the holy place during the Pitri Paksha period, he said.The trains that will halt at Punpun Ghat include Patna–Bhabhua Intercity Express, Barkakana–Patna Palamu Express, Singrauli–Patna Express, Islampur–Hatia Express, Purnia Court–Hatia Express, Rajgir–Varanasi Buddha Purnima Express, Patliputra–Gaya MEMU, Charpalli–Patna special train, Patna–Nawada MEMU, Islampur–Patna MEMU and Patna–Gaya MEMU, among others on both UP and Down journeys, CPRO said.Besides Punpun Ghat, temporary stoppages have also been provided at Anugrah Narayan Road and Chiraila Pauthu stations for the same period. A total of 10 passenger trains will get a two-minute halt at these stations during the mela period, he said, adding these passenger trains include six Gaya–Dehri-on-Sone passenger trains, one pair each of Dhanbad–Sasaram Express and Asansol–Varanasi Express.ECR CPRO said the temporary stoppages have been introduced to ensure hassle-free travel for pilgrims arriving from different parts of the state and neighbouring regions for Pitri Paksha rituals. ‘The arrangements will remain effective till October 10,’ he said.kumodverma@gmail.com
