Kolkata: In order to face the upcoming Gangasagar Mela challenge, Sealdah Division has taken several steps for ensuring smooth train operations. In a bid to facilitate huge number of pilgrims during the ensuing Mela days, Sealdah Division is taking host of arrangements. Sealdah Division has organized a Press Conference where Deepak Nigam, DRM Sealdah, has briefed print and electronic media regarding running of EMU special trains from Kolkata & Sealdah Station and augmentation of different amenities at Sealdah, Princep Ghat, Namkhana, Kakdwip, Lakshmikantapur stations.
• Date of Mela:
The arrangements will commence on & from 09.01.2025 and will continue upto 17.01.2025. Designated Mela Officers will camp at Kakdwip from 12.01.2025 to 17.01.2025 and ensure proper arrangements at nominated stations and co-ordinate with Civil Authorities.
- Additional Trains:
A total of 102 additional train services will ply in between Sealdah and Namkhana for the Mela days w.e.f. 09.01.25 to 17.02025 for enabling pilgrims smooth journey. In order to cope up with sudden unprecedented rush during high tide or low tide, 12 coach empty rakes will be stationed at Sealdah and Namkhana. They will evacuate extra rush in case of emergency. There will be earmarking of Ladies compartment at the Special Trains during the mela period.
• Lighting arrangement:
Electrical department has made arrangements for adequate and emergency lighting at the station premises, especially at Princep Ghat, Lakshikantapur, Kakdwip & Namkhana Stations. Adequate lighting at the approach road to platform no.2 of Namkhana station, Namkhana Over-bridge and also at Kakdwip Temporary Booking counter. Decorative lighting arrangement has been made at Kakdwip & Namkhana stations.
• Drinking Water:
Electrical & Engineering Deptt. of Sealdah Division has made arrangement to operate electrical pumps at Princep Ghat, Lakshikantapur, Kakdwip & Namkhana stations round the clock. Additional arrangement of drinking water has been made for the Mela days at Kakdwip & Namkhana.
• Additional Booking Counter:
Commercial Deptt. has opened additional Booking Counters (05 nos. at Sealdah, 04 nos. at Kakdwip and 03 nos. at Namkhana) round the clock in order to issue tickets to passengers during Mela Period. At Kakdwip station, two temporary Booking counters (at main side adjacent to stairs) has been provided. At Namkhana, suitable arrangement for ticketing at Bakkhali end of platform-1 with two numbers of booking counters has been provided.
Mobile UTS provided during mela period will be as follows:-
• 15 Nos. at Kakdwip.
• 08 Nos. at Namkhana.
•08 Nos. at Sealdah.
- Sanitary arrangement:
Chief Medical Superintendent, B.R.Singh Hospital and Divisional Environment & Housekeeping Management Deptt. have deputed inspectors and sufficient staff to look after sanitary system at Sealdah, Lakshmikantapur, Kakdwip & Namkhana. Sanitary arrangements of major stations of Sealdah South will be monitored closely.
• Security arrangement:
Security Department has arranged to deploy 25 officers with sufficient RPF personnel at Princep Ghat, Lakshmikantapur, Namkhana & Kakdwip stations and will keep close co-ordination with GRP & West Bengal Police. Night bound EMU locals are being escorted by RPF. Dog squads have been deployed for checking at station areas, passenger areas, EMU trains, PRS counter, waiting halls, dustbins and toilets.
For Close Circuit Monitoring during the mela period, 16 nos. of CCTVs (14 bullet & 2 dome) each at Kakdwip, Namkhana and Lakshmikantapur have been made operational at conspicuous places at station premises. The CCTVs have been placed in such a manner that it covers the entire station area.
- May I Help You Booth:
“May I Help You” Booth with telephone connection have been provided at Sealdah South, Princep Ghat, Kakdwip & Namkhana. The Booths will be manned by RPF as well as GRP staff. Arrangement of Loud Hailers for emergency announcement has been made at Lakshmikantapur, Kakdwip & Namkhana.
- Volunteers Services:
Volunteers of Civil Defence, Scouts & Guides and St. John Ambulance Brigade will assist Railway Officials at Sealdah, Kakdwip & Namkhana during the Mela days.
• Emergency Equipment Failure:
Two Tower Wagons have been kept ready at Baruipur and Lakshmikantapur which will rush to the site with RPF in case of emergency overhead equipment failure. One more will remain as standby at Sealdah station.
- Medical Unit:
Fully equipped Medical unit has been deployed at Sealdah & Kakdwip Station. They will render First Aid in case of emergency. Augmented First Aid Boxes will be available at the stations including additional boxes at Kakdwip & Namkhana. Four Wheelchairs and four stretchers will be provided at Namkhana and Kakdwip stations during the mela period. Two (02) Medical Booths will be provided at Sealdah, and 01 each at Kakdwip and Namkhana Stations. Doctors, paramedical staff & ambulances will be deployed at Sealdah, Kakdwip & Namkhana Stations for round the clock availability.
• Pay & Use Toilets:
Pay & Use Toilets in Sealdah – Kakdwip – Namkhana Section & Princep Ghat will be in good condition and periodical cleaning will be done on regular basis. State Govt. has been approached to provide Pay & Use Toilet at the surrounding area of Mela. Temporary toilets will be provided at Lakshmikantapur station (Platform no. 2).
• Police Assistance Booth:
Police Assistance Booth will be constructed with prominent banners – “Police Assistance Booth” at Sealdah, Princep Ghat, Kakdwip, Namkhana & Laksmikantapur Stations to facilitate Passengers during mela days. Emergency Phone Nos. will be displayed at all important stations.
Railway Authorities are in close coordination with State Government officials for the sake of effective crowd management, ensuring safety & security for esteemed pilgrims and safe train operations.
