Eastern Railway Proposes Two Special Trains for Shravani Mela Devotees; Plan Aims to Manage Heavy Pilgrim Rush
Bhagalpur | Report by Gautam Vedpani
In a major initiative to facilitate the movement of millions of devotees expected to participate in the world-famous Shravani Mela, Eastern Railway has proposed the operation of two special trains to accommodate the additional passenger rush. The proposal has been sent to the Railway Board for approval. According to railway officials, the special trains will be operated on a turnaround basis, allowing faster reuse of train rakes and helping manage the extraordinary influx of pilgrims during the annual religious event.
Every year during the holy month of Shravan, millions of Kanwariyas from Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and several other states travel to Sultanganj, where they collect holy water from the northward-flowing Ganges before undertaking a nearly 105-kilometre pilgrimage on foot to offer it at Baba Baidyanath Dham. The massive increase in passenger traffic during this period places significant pressure on railway services, prompting the need for additional train operations.
Proposal for Two Special Trains
Railway officials stated that the proposal to introduce two special trains has been prepared after assessing the expected surge in passenger numbers during the Shravani Mela.
The trains are proposed to operate on a turnaround basis, enabling them to return quickly after completing one trip. This operational model allows better utilization of available rolling stock while transporting a larger number of passengers with existing resources.
Relief for Millions of Pilgrims
If approved, the special train services are expected to provide significant relief to devotees who often face overcrowding in regular trains during the Shravani Mela season.
Railway authorities believe that the additional services will reduce congestion at railway stations and inside trains, ensuring a safer and more comfortable travel experience for pilgrims.
Special Focus on Crowd Management
Railway stations such as Sultanganj, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, and other nearby stations witness an enormous influx of devotees during the annual pilgrimage.
To handle the expected crowd efficiently, Eastern Railway has prepared a comprehensive crowd-management strategy. Additional railway personnel, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), the Government Railway Police (GRP), and volunteers are expected to be deployed to regulate passenger movement and maintain order.
Passenger Amenities to Be Strengthened
Railway authorities are planning to enhance passenger facilities, including drinking water, waiting areas, medical assistance, inquiry counters, sanitation, and lighting arrangements at major stations.
Additional ticket counters and help desks may also be established at busy stations to ensure smooth passenger services throughout the fair.
Enhanced Security Arrangements
Passenger safety will remain one of the highest priorities during the Shravani Mela.
Railway authorities plan to strengthen surveillance through CCTV cameras and deploy additional security personnel to monitor stations and respond promptly to any suspicious activity. Devotees have also been advised to remain vigilant about their belongings and follow railway safety guidelines.
Medical and Emergency Services
Special medical teams are expected to be deployed at important railway stations during the pilgrimage season.
First-aid centres, ambulance services, and emergency medical facilities will be made available to provide immediate assistance in case of any health-related emergencies or unforeseen incidents.
Preparations Reviewed by Railway Officials
Senior officials of Eastern Railway have reviewed the preparations for the upcoming Shravani Mela and directed all concerned departments to complete the required arrangements well in advance.
Officials emphasized that passenger convenience and safety remain the top priorities and that close coordination among various railway departments is being ensured.
Coordination with District Administration
Eastern Railway is also working in coordination with the district administration, police, health department, and disaster management authorities to ensure smooth management of the pilgrimage.
Joint planning is underway to regulate the movement of devotees from railway stations to the Kanwariya route and to minimize inconvenience during peak travel periods.
Appeal to Devotees
Railway authorities have appealed to pilgrims to follow railway guidelines, avoid unnecessary crowding, and maintain discipline while traveling.
Passengers have also been advised to travel with valid tickets and immediately report any suspicious objects or activities to railway officials or security personnel.
The proposal by Eastern Railway to operate two special trains during the Shravani Mela is expected to provide major relief to millions of Kanwariya pilgrims. If approved by the Railway Board, the additional train services will help manage the increased passenger rush and improve travel convenience during one of India's largest annual religious gatherings. Railway authorities are making extensive preparations to ensure safe, organized, and comfortable travel through enhanced security, improved passenger amenities, and efficient crowd management measures.
