Railway steps up security, deploys 270 ex-servicemen and strengthens crowd management as lakhs of passengers are expected to travel during the festive rush
Kolkata : Passengers travelling through Sealdah Division during Durga Puja 2026 will face several changes in station arrangements, including the temporary closure of the Sealdah station parking area and suspension of its Digital Locker service from October 15 to October 21. The railway authorities have also planned enhanced security, round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, additional personnel and medical assistance facilities to manage the anticipated festive rush.
Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway has convened a high-level coordination meeting with senior officials of the West Bengal Police, Kolkata Traffic Police and Government Railway Police (GRP) to review preparations for Durga Puja. The meeting focused on passenger safety, crowd control, security deployment and the smooth movement of commuters at stations and surrounding areas.
The meeting was chaired by Rajeev Saxena, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Sealdah Division. Railway officials reviewed arrangements to prevent overcrowding, regulate passenger movement and respond quickly to emergencies during the busy festive period.
Sealdah Station Parking Closed for Seven Days
One of the key measures announced for the festive period is the closure of the parking area at Sealdah station from October 15 to October 21, 2026.
During these seven days, passengers and visitors will be allowed to use the designated area only for dropping off and picking up passengers. Parking vehicles in the area will not be permitted.
The railway has urged commuters to make alternative parking arrangements and plan their journeys accordingly. The restriction is intended to reduce traffic congestion around the station and ensure smoother movement of vehicles during the Durga Puja rush.
Passengers travelling to Sealdah to board trains or receive arriving family members should allow sufficient time for their journey and coordinate their pick-up and drop-off arrangements in advance.
Digital Locker Service to Remain Suspended
The Digital Locker service at Sealdah station will also remain suspended from October 15 to October 21, 2026.
Passengers who intend to use the facility are advised to make the necessary arrangements before the suspension begins. Those planning to leave belongings at the station should take note of the restriction and avoid depending on the service during the specified period.
270 Ex-Servicemen to Be Deployed for Security
To strengthen security during the festive rush, Sealdah Division is engaging 270 ex-servicemen, along with additional personnel from the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF).
Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel will be deployed at strategic locations to regulate crowds, monitor passenger movement and respond to emergencies. The deployment plan also includes sensitive station areas, foot overbridges and level-crossing gates expected to experience heavy movement.
The railway has emphasised coordination between the RPF, GRP, state police and traffic police to ensure that passenger movement remains orderly both inside stations and in adjoining areas.
Crowd Control Measures at Stations and Foot Overbridges
Passenger entry and exit arrangements, designated holding areas and platform segregation were among the key issues discussed during the coordination meeting.
The objective is to prevent overcrowding on platforms and ensure that passengers can enter and leave stations safely. Particular attention will be given to locations where large numbers of commuters are expected to gather.
Critical foot overbridges will be manned by RPF personnel, supported by volunteers from Scouts and Guides, Civil Defence and St John Ambulance. These teams will assist passengers, regulate crowd movement and help prevent congestion at important access points.
Level-crossing gates likely to experience heavy traffic will also receive additional attention. RPF personnel will be deployed as required, with coordination from the state traffic police to manage road movement and reduce the risk of congestion.
Round-the-Clock CCTV Surveillance
24-hour CCTV surveillance will form an important part of the security arrangements during Durga Puja.
The railway has planned enhanced monitoring to help officials identify crowding, observe sensitive locations and respond promptly to any incident. The division will also operate a central War Room to monitor stations and coordinate responses to operational or security-related issues.
For this purpose, the entire Sealdah Division has been organised into 11 nodal points, each covering a group of stations. These nodal points will work in coordination with the central War Room to facilitate monitoring and communication across the division.
War Room Helpline for Emergencies
Passengers and concerned personnel requiring emergency or urgent assistance may contact the Sealdah Division War Room at:
Helpline: 9147906778
Passengers are advised to keep the number accessible during their journeys and use it for urgent assistance related to the arrangements covered by the division.
Medical Booths and Ambulance Services
Medical assistance booths and ambulance services will be made available at stations expected to witness heavy passenger footfall.
The arrangements are intended to provide timely medical assistance in the event of illness, injury or other emergencies during the festive rush. The presence of medical support teams will complement the security and crowd-management measures planned by the railway.
Passengers who require immediate medical attention should seek help from railway staff or the designated assistance teams at stations.
Ticket Counters and Digital Ticketing Facilities
To help passengers obtain tickets without unnecessary delays, concerned departments have been instructed to ensure that Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and Mobile-UTS facilities remain functional.
Additional booking counters will also be arranged wherever required, depending on passenger demand.
Commuters are advised to purchase valid tickets before boarding trains and avoid waiting until the last minute, particularly during peak travel hours. Keeping tickets ready and following station announcements will help reduce queues and facilitate smoother movement.
Railway Maintenance Teams on Standby
Alongside security and passenger-management measures, Sealdah Division is strengthening its operational preparedness to minimise disruption during the festive period.
Mobile maintenance teams from the Signal and Telecommunication (S&T), Traction Distribution (TRD), Engineering and Traction Rolling Stock (TRS) departments will be stationed at strategic locations from 4 pm to midnight.
These teams will be available to attend to equipment failures and operational problems promptly, with the aim of reducing inconvenience to passengers and helping maintain smooth train operations.
The railway has also directed the concerned departments to review safety and security arrangements ahead of the expected increase in passenger traffic.
DRM Appeals for Passenger Cooperation
Rajeev Saxena, DRM, Sealdah Division, said that passenger safety and convenience remained the priority during Durga Puja. He emphasised coordination with the police and other concerned departments to ensure effective crowd management, adequate security and smooth passenger movement.
He also stressed that the necessary arrangements should be completed well in advance to provide passengers with a safe and hassle-free travel experience during the festive period.
What Sealdah Passengers Need to Know
Before travelling during Durga Puja 2026, passengers should keep the following arrangements in mind:
- Parking: Sealdah station parking area closed from October 15 to 21; use the designated area only for pick-up and drop-off.
- Digital Locker: Service suspended from October 15 to 21.
- Security: Additional personnel, including 270 ex-servicemen and RPSF staff, will support festive security arrangements.
- Surveillance: Round-the-clock CCTV monitoring is planned.
- Emergency assistance: Sealdah Division War Room helpline — 9147906778.
- Medical support: Assistance booths and ambulance services will be available at stations with heavy passenger traffic.
- Ticketing: ATVMs and Mobile-UTS facilities are to be kept functional, with additional booking counters arranged wherever necessary.
- Maintenance: Mobile technical teams will be stationed at strategic locations from 4 pm to midnight.
With Durga Puja expected to bring a significant increase in passenger movement, Sealdah Division has planned coordinated security, crowd-management, medical and operational measures. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance, follow instructions from railway personnel and cooperate with security teams to ensure safe and orderly travel throughout the festive period.
