Kolkata: In a major step towards ensuring a smooth, safe and spiritually fulfilling journey for millions of devotees, the Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway has finalised an extensive and well-coordinated action plan for the Gangasagar Mela 2026. The special arrangements will be operational from January 9 to January 17, 2026, covering the peak pilgrimage period.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Rajeev Saxena, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Sealdah, outlined the unprecedented measures being taken to handle the massive influx of pilgrims travelling to the holy confluence. Dedicated Mela Officers will be stationed at Kakdwip round the clock to ensure seamless coordination and rapid decision-making.
A New Benchmark in Pilgrim Transit Management
Marking a significant improvement over previous years, Sealdah Division has introduced a pioneering and highly structured transit blueprint, designed to eliminate confusion, prevent overcrowding, and enhance passenger comfort. The multi-pronged strategy focuses on train services, crowd management, passenger amenities, security, medical support, and emergency preparedness, setting new standards in spiritual tourism logistics.
Record Augmentation of Train Services
For the first time, a record 23 pairs of EMU services will operate daily during the Mela period. This includes 10 pairs of dedicated Gangasagar Mela Special trains running between Sealdah and Namkhana/Kakdwip. Despite capacity constraints due to the single-line section between Lakshmikantpur and Namkhana, the maximum feasible number of services has been planned to substantially reduce waiting times and prevent platform congestion.
In another notable enhancement:
- The number of days for additional train services has been increased to seven, compared to six days last year.
- The total number of trains has seen a sharp rise—from 72 in 2025 to 126 in 2026—to better accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
Exclusive Platforms and Organised Boarding
To ensure dedicated and disciplined movement of devotees:
- Platforms 15 and 16 at Sealdah, and Platform 2 at Kakdwip, have been reserved exclusively for Mela traffic.
- Each train is designed to comfortably handle 2,000 to 2,500 pilgrims.
- Queue managers will supervise boarding and de-boarding, preventing chaotic inter-mixing of passengers and ensuring orderly movement.
Structured Crowd Flow and Holding Areas
A strict “First Come, First Served” system will be enforced, supported by a one-way passenger movement plan to avoid cross-flow of crowds.
At Sealdah:
- Entry to Namkhana/Kakdwip-bound trains will be via the designated Holding Area gate near Sealdah South Metro.
- Exit will be only through the regular Sealdah South Gate.
- No entry for Mela trains will be permitted through the regular Sealdah South concourse.
At Kakdwip:
- Part of Platform No. 2 will function as a Holding Area, allowing only the number of pilgrims that can be accommodated in one train (around 2,500).
- All trains towards Sealdah will depart from Platform No. 2, while trains for Namkhana will use Platform No. 1.
- Multiple layers of holding areas have been created to manage contingencies.
Integrated Holding Areas with Modern Amenities
High-capacity Integrated Holding Areas have been established at Sealdah, Kakdwip, and Namkhana, offering pilgrims a dignified resting space before boarding. These facilities include:
- On-site M-UTS ticketing, reducing long queues at station counters
- Comfortable seating, high-intensity lighting, and clean toilet facilities
- A buffer environment where pilgrims can rest peacefully until their train is ready
Enhanced Passenger Facilities
- Illumination: Decorative and enhanced lighting at Lakshmikantpur, Kakdwip, and Namkhana stations, including approach roads and foot overbridges
- Water & Sanitation: 24/7 water supply ensured through continuous operation of electrical pumps; specialised housekeeping teams deployed by B.R. Singh Hospital and the Housekeeping Department
- Ticketing: Additional 24×7 booking counters with M-UTS facilities, with special assistance for elderly and Divyangjan (differently-abled) pilgrims
Robust Security and Surveillance
A comprehensive multi-layered security blanket has been put in place:
- Deployment of 54 officers and 340 RPF personnel in close coordination with GRP
- 24×7 CCTV surveillance across station premises
- Dog squads for passenger areas, waiting halls, and onboard trains
- Dedicated RPF escorts for night-bound EMU special trains
Medical and Emergency Preparedness
Pilgrim safety remains a top priority, with:
- Fully equipped medical booths at Sealdah, Kakdwip, and Namkhana
- Round-the-clock availability of doctors, paramedics, ambulances, and enhanced first-aid facilities
- Wheelchairs and stretchers readily available
- Tower wagons and electrical engineering teams on standby at Lakshmikantpur for immediate technical intervention
Support Services and Communication
- “May I Help You” booths manned by RPF and GRP for passenger guidance
- Regular announcements in Bengali, Hindi, and English
- Temporary Train Information Boards (TIBs) installed at all holding areas
- Active support from Civil Defence volunteers, Scouts & Guides, and St. John Ambulance Brigade
Commitment to a Sacred Responsibility
Emphasising the importance of the event, Shri Rajeev Saxena, DRM, Sealdah, said,
“Gangasagar Mela is not merely a logistical challenge but a sacred responsibility. From specialised crowd management to round-the-clock medical assistance, every possible measure has been taken to ensure that the spiritual journey of pilgrims remains safe, dignified, and comfortable from the moment they enter our stations.”
He appealed to all devotees to maintain patience and cooperate with railway authorities, assuring that orderly boarding and disciplined movement will ensure a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage experience for everyone.
With these comprehensive arrangements, Sealdah Division aims to set a new national benchmark in pilgrim transportation and crowd management for Gangasagar Mela 2026.
