Kolkata: With Durga Puja approaching and suburban passenger demand expected to rise, the Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway has announced a wide range of measures to improve connectivity, manage festive crowds and provide additional travel options for daily commuters.

51 Special Local Trains During Durga Puja

The Sealdah Division will operate 51 special local trains from October 16 to 21, covering the main Puja days from Shashthi to Dashami. This is an increase of 20 services over last year, when 31 special trains were operated.

In addition, 80 trips of long-distance trains have been planned between October 10 and 25 to meet increased passenger demand during the festive period.

The special suburban services will cover important routes including Sealdah–Ranaghat, Sealdah–Naihati, Kalyani, Kalyani–Ranaghat, Dum Dum–Dankuni, Sealdah–Baruipur and Sealdah–Lakshmikantapur.

Special night services on the Hasnabad and Lakshmikantapur sections have also been planned, providing additional options for passengers returning late after visiting Puja pandals.

Sunday Timetable and All-Station Stoppages

From October 16 to 21, the Sunday timetable will remain in effect to accommodate the expected change in passenger movement during the main Puja days.

A key passenger-friendly measure is that all trains operating after 2 pm will stop at every station. This will provide better connectivity to passengers travelling to smaller stations and make it easier for commuters to reach their destinations during the festive rush.

Passengers are advised to check train timings before starting their journey, as the operating pattern during these days will differ from the normal weekday schedule.

Late-Night Train Services to Continue

The division has also made arrangements to maintain train services during the night during the Puja period. The regular night maintenance window will be suspended during the period so that passenger services can continue.

This is particularly important for people returning home late after Puja visits and celebrations.

Security and 24-Hour Monitoring

The Sealdah Division has planned enhanced security arrangements at major and sensitive stations as well as on late-night trains.

RPF and GRP personnel will be deployed to manage the increased passenger movement and maintain security. ‘Meri Saheli’ teams will also remain active for the safety of women passengers, with special attention to late-night services.

A 24-hour war room and control room at Sealdah will monitor live CCTV feeds across the division. The system will help railway authorities respond quickly to crowd-related issues, security concerns and emergencies.

Medical Facilities at Major Stations

To deal with medical emergencies during the festive rush, 24-hour medical booths will be available at major stations, including Sealdah, Dum Dum, Bidhannagar, Barrackpore and Ranaghat.

The railway will also coordinate with nearby hospitals so that passengers requiring urgent medical assistance can be provided timely care.

Standby Trains at Sealdah and Ranaghat

To handle sudden increases in passenger numbers, standby train rakes and crews will be kept ready at Sealdah and Ranaghat.

If crowd levels rise sharply at a particular station or on a particular route, these standby resources can be brought into service to help manage passenger movement.

Parking Closed at Sealdah from October 15 to 21

As part of the crowd-management arrangements, parking at Sealdah station will remain closed from October 15 to 21.

The parking area will be used as a holding area to help regulate passenger movement during the Puja rush.

Passengers and those coming to drop off or pick up travellers are therefore advised to avoid bringing private vehicles into the station premises during this period.

New Services for Daily Suburban Commuters

The Sealdah Division has also introduced several passenger-oriented changes for regular commuters after Durga Puja.

These include doubling daily services between Shantipur and Krishnanagar City Junction, introducing an experimental late-night EMU between Sealdah and Budge Budge, and providing experimental stoppages for four AC EMU services at Badkulla.

Shantipur–Krishnanagar Services Doubled

On the Shantipur–Krishnanagar City Junction section, daily services have been increased from one pair to two pairs.

The additional UP service will leave Shantipur at 9:34 am and reach Krishnanagar City Junction at 10:07 am.

The return DN service will depart Krishnanagar City Junction at 10:17 am and reach Shantipur at 10:43 am.

The additional service is expected to provide greater convenience to office-goers, students and regular commuters travelling between the two towns.

New Late-Night EMU Between Sealdah and Budge Budge

For passengers travelling late at night, particularly those working in late shifts, the division has introduced an experimental late-night EMU service between Sealdah and Budge Budge.

The train will depart Sealdah at 10:55 pm and arrive at Budge Budge at 11:43 pm.

The return service will leave Budge Budge at 11:54 pm and reach Sealdah at 12:48 am.

The service provides an additional late-night travel option for passengers who finish work or other activities late in the evening.

Four AC EMU Services to Stop at Badkulla

Another important change is the introduction of experimental stoppages for four AC EMU services at Badkulla station on the Sealdah–Krishnanagar section.

Except on Sundays:

• Train No. 31845 UP will stop at Badkulla at 11:53/11:54 am.
• Train No. 31846 DN will stop at Badkulla at 1:40/1:41 pm.

On Sundays:

• Train No. 31847 UP will stop at Badkulla at 1:59/2:00 pm.
• Train No. 31848 DN will stop at Badkulla at 4:15/4:16 pm.

The experimental stoppages will provide Badkulla passengers with additional access to AC suburban services.

Focus on Changing Commuter Needs

Sealdah DRM Rajeev Saxena said the changes have been introduced keeping in mind the evolving requirements of daily commuters.

According to the division, the measures are intended to improve connectivity during peak and late-night hours, while providing more convenient and comfortable suburban rail services.

The combined measures are significant for both festive and regular commuters. During Durga Puja, the focus will be on handling the heavy passenger rush through additional trains, extended operating hours, security and crowd-management measures. After the festive period, the new and revised suburban services are intended to address the everyday travel requirements of office-goers, students, late-shift workers and other regular passengers.

Passenger Cooperation Remains Important

The railway has appealed to passengers to cooperate with railway staff and security personnel during the Puja rush.

Passengers should use foot overbridges, avoid pushing and rushing, follow announcements and staff instructions, and never cross railway tracks. Those travelling during the Puja period should also check the applicable train timetable before beginning their journey.

With additional services, standby trains, enhanced security, medical support, CCTV monitoring and new commuter-oriented services, the Sealdah Division’s arrangements are aimed at making suburban travel safer, more accessible and better connected during the festive period and beyond.

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