Newssuper, Report Tania Kundu Kolkata | January 2, 2026
To ensure a seamless and spiritual journey for the millions of pilgrims heading to the holy confluence, Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway has finalized a robust action plan for the Gangasagar Mela 2026.
In a press conference held today, Shri Rajeev Saxena, DRM/Sealdah, detailed the extensive measures taken to manage the expected influx of devotees. The special arrangements will remain operational from January 9 to January 17, 2026, with dedicated Mela Officers stationed at Kakdwip to ensure round-the-clock coordination.
In a significant improvements over previous years, Sealdah Division has introduced a highly organized and pioneering transit blueprint designed to eliminate confusion and ensure a seamless journey to the holy confluence. To guarantee a journey that is smoother and safer than ever before, Division has implemented a series of unprecedented arrangements across Train Services, Crowd Management, Passenger Amenities, Security, and Medical Emergency Support.
These landmark initiatives are specifically designed to provide a hassle-free experience for the millions of devotees, marking a new benchmark in spiritual tourism logistics.
• Augmented Train Frequency: For the first time, a massive fleet of 23 pairs of EMU services will be operational daily. This includes 10 pairs of dedicated Mela Special trains running between Sealdah and Namkhana/Kakdwip. This record maximum possible number of services has been planned to significantly reduce waiting times and prevent overcrowding at platforms despite the capacity constraints due to single line from Lakshmikantpur to Namkhana.
• No. of Days for additional train services during Ganga Sagar Mela has been increased from previous Year (i.e.07 from 06).
• Huge No of trains has also been increased from previous year to facilitate the Pilgrims of Ganga Sagar Mela-2026 (i,e..in 2025-72 & 2026-126).
• Exclusive Platform Earmarking & Organized Boarding: To provide a dedicated corridor for devotees, Platforms 15 and 16 at Sealdah and Platform 2 at Kakdwip have been reserved exclusively for Mela traffic. These hubs are optimized to handle 2,000 to 2,500 pilgrims per train with ease. In a pioneering effort to set new safety standards, queue managers will be utilized on these platforms to oversee the boarding and de-boarding process, preventing any chaotic inter-mixing of passengers and ensuring an orderly flow into and out of the train coaches.
• Pioneering Structured Boarding System: To eliminate chaos and ensure fairness, a “First Come, First Served” crowd management system is being strictly enforced—a move designed to prioritize pilgrim comfort. To prevent the crisscross movement of crowds, a dedicated One-Way Flow has been established.
o Entry: Via Holding Area a designated gate adjacent to the Sealdah South Metro entry. No entry from regular Sealdah (South) for Namkhana/ Kakdwip bound trains.
o Exit: Exclusively through the regular Sealdah South Gate. This streamlined movement ensures that incoming and outgoing passengers never collide, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
o Similarly at Kakdwip, part of Platform no. 2 will be used as Holding Area and only passengers that can be accommodated in one train (say 2500) will be allowed in the area where train will be stopping. All trains will depart for Sealdah from Platform no-2, while all trains for Namkhana at Platform no – 1.
o Provision of multiple layers of Holding Areas to meet out any contingency.
• Holding Areas: Recognizing the need for rest during the long journey, high-capacity Integrated Holding Areas have been established at Sealdah, Kakdwip, and Namkhana. Unlike basic waiting zones, these are all-in-one facilities featuring:
o On-site Ticketing: To save pilgrims from standing in long station lines M- UTS ticketing will be provided.
o Full Amenities: Comfortable sitting area, high-intensity lighting, and clean toilet blocks. These areas serve as a “buffer zone” where pilgrims can relax in a dignified environment until their designated train is ready for boarding.
• Illumination: Enhanced and decorative lighting has been installed at Lakshmikantapur, Kakdwip, and Namkhana stations, including approach roads and over-bridges.
• Water & Sanitation: Electrical pumps will operate 24/7 to ensure an uninterrupted water supply. The B.R. Singh Hospital and the Housekeeping Dept. have deployed specialized teams to maintain high sanitary standards.
• Ticketing: Additional 24/7 booking counters featuring M-UTS will be operational, with a focus on assisting elderly and Divyangjan (differently-abled) pilgrims.
• Security & Safety Protocols- A multi-layered security blanket has been thrown over the Mela route with 54 Officers and 340 RPF personnel will be deployed in close coordination.
• Surveillance: Entire station premises will be under the 24/7 vigil of high-definition CCTV cameras.
• Security Checks: Dog squads will be active in passenger areas, waiting halls, and on board trains. Night-bound EMU specials will have dedicated RPF escorts.
• Medical & Emergency Support of the Pilgrims is a top priority, with comprehensive medical booths set up at Sealdah, Kakdwip, and Namkhana.
• Medical Teams: Doctors, paramedics, and ambulances will be available round the clock equipped with augmented first-aid boxes, wheelchairs, and stretchers.
• Technical Readiness: Tower wagons and electrical engineering are on standby at Lakshmikantapur to address any emergencies immediately.
• Help Desks: “May I Help You” booths, manned by RPF and GRP are available for guidance.
• Communication: Frequent announcements will be made in Bengla, Hindi and English, and temporary train information boards (TIB) will be placed in all holding areas.
• Volunteers: Civil Defence, Scouts & Guides, and the St. John Ambulance Brigade will be on the ground to assist pilgrims.
Sri Rajeev Saxena , DRM Sealdah stated that Gangasagar Mela is not just a logistical challenge but a sacred responsibility. We are dedicated to providing a seamless and secure environment for the millions of pilgrims who rely on our services. From round-the-clock medical assistance to specialized crowd management at platforms, every measure has been taken to ensure that the spiritual journey of the pilgrims remains safe, dignified, and comfortable from the moment they enter our stations. All pilgrims are requested to have patience and cooperate with authorities that will allow boarding in sequence.
