Kolkata : In the spirit of Durga Puja, Eastern Railway’s Sealdah Division yesterday inaugurated the re-opening of ‘Prafulla Dwar’ at Sealdah Station. Designed to facilitate smoother movement for passengers and puja pandal visitors, this new entrance is more than just a gateway—it is a significant enhancement in passenger convenience and a powerful tribute to ‘Nari Shakti’ (Women Power) during the auspicious Devi Paksha.
Located on Platform No. 1, Prafulla Dwar serves as a dedicated entrance and exit for commuters, particularly those traveling on the Sealdah Main Line. By providing an alternative flow channel, it is expected to substantially reduce congestion at the main station buildings, a crucial measure ahead of the heavy passenger traffic anticipated during the Durga Puja festival.
In a special initiative honoring the Goddess and celebrating women’s empowerment, the newly opened booking counters at Prafulla Dwar and Dum Dum Junction’s 2nd entry are fully operational and managed entirely by women staff. This move highlights women’s capabilities in public service and sets an inspiring example of gender empowerment. The response from passengers has been overwhelming: a total of 7,787 tickets were sold on the very first day.
The new gateway provides a one-stop solution for enhanced ticketing services, reducing long queues and improving efficiency. The facility includes nine new booking counters, with dedicated windows for women and persons with disabilities, and three new Automated Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs). Additionally, the introduction of QR Code Ticketing ensures a faster, smoother ticketing experience for passengers.
