Major Preparations for Security and Passenger Amenities at Sultanganj Railway Station Ahead of Shravani Mela; Senior DME K.K. Das Conducts Surprise Inspection, Places Special Emphasis on Kanwarias' Facilities and Train Operations
Sultanganj/Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: Administrative activity has intensified at Sultanganj Railway Station, a major religious hub connecting North Bihar and Jharkhand during the world-famous Shravani Mela. The railway administration appears fully alert to ensure the safety and facilities for the millions of devotees flocking to the mela. In this sequence, Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer (Senior DME) of Eastern Railway, K.K. Das, conducted a surprise inspection of Sultanganj Railway Station on Tuesday. During the visit, he closely reviewed the station premises, platforms, ticket counters, foot overbridges, and Kanwaria rest areas, giving essential directives to the concerned officials.
What Were the Key Focus Areas During the Inspection?
This visit by Senior DME K.K. Das is considered extremely crucial for tightening arrangements ahead of the Shravani Mela:
Review of Platforms and Circulating Area: During the inspection, he first assessed the station's circulating area, where massive crowds of Kanwarias gather. He directed that barricading and entry-exit gate arrangements be maintained properly to control passenger crowds and prevent any untypical situations like stampedes.
Drinking Water, Sanitation, and Lighting: Placing top priority on Kanwarias' convenience, the Senior DME evaluated the availability of drinking water on platforms, toilet cleanliness, and dustbin conditions. He instructed the Station Master to ensure 24-hour sanitation at this vital junction connected to the Kanwaria route, preventing any inconvenience to devotees.
Special Emphasis on Kanwarias' Safety and Smooth Travel
During a high-level meeting with officials following the inspection, Senior DME K.K. Das explicitly stated that the service and safety of Kanwarias remain the railways' top priority:
Crowd Control and RPF Deployment: He directed officials of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) to maintain special vigilance around platforms and tracks. Continuous public announcements (miking) must be conducted to deter Kanwarias from boarding or de-boarding moving trains.
Review of Special Trains and Trips: Considering the heavy passenger pressure during the mela, smooth operations of express and passenger trains passing through and halting at Sultanganj were discussed. Outlines for running special trains and scheduling halts as needed were also considered.
Coordination Between Local Administration and Railway Officials
The inspection created a mix of promptness and alertness among local railway staff and security officials on the station premises:
Strict Directives Given to Officials: The Senior DME warned all departmental officials present on the station premises that no form of laxity during the mela period would be tolerated. Instructions were issued to open additional counters to handle long queues at ticketing counters and keep automatic vending machines operational.
Arrangements for Passenger Sheds and Rest Houses: Special passenger sheds constructed for the stay of Kanwarias were also inspected, where lighting, fans, and seating arrangements were verified.
This inspection of Sultanganj Railway Station by Senior DME K.K. Das symbolizes that the railway administration intends no systemic lapses during the Shravani Mela. To ensure that the journey of millions of Shiva devotees traveling from Sultanganj to Baba Dham remains safe, smooth, and comfortable, the railways are continuously striving to solidify on-ground preparations. This surprise inspection has further strengthened expectations for improved station arrangements.
