Kolkata: In a bid to accommodate huge festive rush in the ensuing Durga Puja festival, Railway administration gears up to face the challenge for ensuring smooth transportation of commuters during Puja days.
A high level meeting was convened at DRM Conference room at Sealdah to discuss with all branch officers regarding the necessary arrangements for controlling massive crowd expected during puja days and facilitating them with proper transportation for visiting Pandals. Various issues were deliberated in the emergency meeting and it has been decided to take following measures for ensuring smooth handling of commuters:-
i) All galloping trains will stop at all stations during Puja days, i.e., from 09.10.24 to 12.10.24 in all sections of Sealdah Division. Punctuality of train movement will be monitored critically at the apex level during Puja days.
ii) There are 50 Puja Pandals which have allegedly constructed pandals within 10 – 20 meters from Railway track. Huge crowd at these pandals are potential threat for safety and security of train operations. Special RPF contingent will be deployed at such places, in coordination with local police authority, to manage the crowd in order to avoid any untoward incidents.
iii) Additional “MAY I HELP YOU” Booths will be opened at busy stations like Sealdah, Dumdum Jn. Kolkata etc. Designated helpline numbers will be provided at these booths for facilitating pandal hoppers. A list of important phone numbers including police stations, hospitals and fire brigades will be displayed at such booths so that emergency assistance can be provided in the hour of need.
iv) Special RPF will be deployed at busy level crossing gates like Barasat, Khardah, Ballygunge, Barrackpur, Bangaon, Sonarpur, Baruipur, Ranaghat, Berhampore etc. 24 such vulnerable Level Crossing gates are pinpointed which are to be monitored by extra security force. Volunteers will also be provided in consultation with local administration for manning of Level Crossing gates.
v) Trolley movements will be restricted at Sealdah station during peak hours, i.e., from 6 PM to 5 AM during puja days.
vi) Proper cleanliness and lighting arrangement will be ensured at stations and circulating areas of major stations. No construction material will be there which hinders smooth movement of passengers. Major construction activity will be postponed at stations and circulating areas during Puja days.
vii) Additional 05 ticket booking counters (04 at Sealdah Main & 01 at Sealdah South) will be functional to cater to the extra rush during morning and evening shifts. Temporary deployment of additional booking clerks will be made for operating special counters.
viii) Adequate number of Fire extinguishers will be kept at all stations and additional Fire extinguishers are to be kept at some strategically located booths for instant availability.
ix) Train indication system and Passenger address system will be specially monitored at stations like Sealdah, Bidhannagar, Dumdum, Naihati, Ballygunge, Sonarpur, Kolkata, Kanchrapara, Barrackpur, Majherhat, Krishnanagar etc. Some loud hailers will also be made available to meet unexpected failure of public address system.
x) Portable drinking water supply will be ensured 24X7 at all stations during puja days.
xi) Additional general coaches will be augmented in Mail/Express trains to meet heavy rush of passengers.
xii) Special security arrangement for safety of women, children and senior citizens will be ensured in liaiso with GRP during the festival period. RPF escort will be there for trains.
xiii) Circular Railway train movement will be restricted during immersion period in accordance with advice of State administration.
xiv) Arrangement of Senior Scouts, St.John’s ambulance and Civil Defense personnel will be made for better guidance and coordination with the commuters, especially during peak hours from 06 PM to 01 AM.
xv) Medical assistance booths will be provided at key stations like Sealdah, Dumdum, Naihati, Barasat etc. where doctors and paramedical staff will be available for taking care of ailing commuters. First Aid box will paramedical staff will also be there at many other stations and health units.
