Double decker train to ply in Eastern region for festive rush

The only double decker train service in the eastern region will start from October 23, on a temporary basis to clear the Chhat Puja rush, on the Howrah-Dhanbad route.
"The service may be continued after this schedule depending on the patronage of passengers," Eastern Railway spokesperson R N Mahapatra said here.
To clear the extra rush of passengers during ensuing Chhat festival, Eastern Railway would run one pair of double decker special train between Howrah and Dhanbad from October 23 to November 8, he said.
02385 Up Howrah-Dhanbad double decker Chhat Puja special would leave Howrah at 2.35 PM to reach Dhanbad at 6.50 PM the same day.

The corresponding down train (02386 Dn) would leave Dhanbad at 7.40 AM and reach Howrah at 12.00 Noon the same day, ER official said.
The double decker fully air conditioned train service, which had been commenced with much fanfare in 2011, had been discontinued in early 2015 owing to low patronage and other logistical problems.
The double decker rakes, which have a wider body compared to normal express trains, also brushed against platforms when travelling at high speed.
This had led to the ER authorities chiselling off sides of some platforms on the route as also reducing the speed of the train in some areas.