Eastern Railway’s Asansol Division strengthens infrastructure and security for Shravani Mela 2025

Eastern Railway’s Asansol Division made extensive and multi-layered preparations to manage the anticipated large footfall of pilgrims during Shravani Mela 2025. The month-long festival attracts lakhs of ‘Kanwariyas’ from across the country who converge at Baidyanath Dham, Deoghar—one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

In a significant move towards better crowd management and passenger amenities, Asansol Division constructed dedicated holding and queuing areas with pandals covering 55,000 Square Feet at Jasidih, 6,000 Square Feet at Deoghar, and 4,000 Square Feet at Basuki Nath. These areas were equipped to provide shelter and facilitate the smooth movement of devotees. At Jasidih, the circulating area and covered platform zones were upgraded to handle the large influx.

To ensure seamless information dissemination, a new train information board was installed in the second-class waiting hall at Jasidih. Signage boards and passenger amenity boards were placed strategically to assist pilgrims. Foot Over Bridges at Jasidih were also improved.

A robust electrical infrastructure was set up across all key stations. At Jasidih, additional tube lights and BLDC fans were installed across platforms, porticos, Yatri Niwas, and holding areas. Temporary arrangements included 95 tube lights and 33 BLDC fans at the new main entry near the parcel office, and 231 tube lights and 49 BLDC fans at the old entry. Moreover, 1,164 additional tube lights and 244 BLDC fans were fixed across platforms for Shravani Mela. A 250 KVA DG set and a 500 KVA transformer were deployed at Jasidih to meet the additional power load during the festival period.

For enhanced passenger comfort, 10 additional water coolers and air coolers were arranged at major stations. Lighting works and signage installations facilitated proper movement of Kanwariyas throughout the station premises.

Operational plans included running special trains, advance platform nominations to avoid last-minute changes, and stabling provisions for empty rakes. Adequate railway staff were deployed at Jasidih to guide pilgrims for smooth boarding and deboarding.

Cleanliness initiatives were strengthened with increased manpower deployment, bio-toilets, and vinyl flooring in holding areas. Mobile ticketing units (mUTS), extra counters, and temporary stalls were set up. Parking spaces at Jasidih were cleared to ease congestion.

Security measures were bolstered with the deployment of 320 RPF and RPSF personnel across Jasidih, Deoghar, Baidyanathdham, and Basuki Nath. In addition to 100 existing CCTV cameras, 50 more cameras were installed specifically for the mela period. Regular monitoring was ensured through drones, dog squads, and hand-held metal detectors. CCTV-monitored control rooms, queue management systems, and repositioned luggage scanners further enhanced security.

Signalling and telecom upgrades included additional Train and Coach Indication Boards and improved public announcement systems to ensure smooth operations. CCTV camera feedings which are controlled from Jasidih Control Room will also be monitored from Asansol Divisional Control.  Two extra rakes are kept ready to run to run, if needed. Special care has been taken for hygiene purpose. Portable bathrooms have been created and they are cleaned multiple times in a day.

Announcements are made frequently and TIB (Train Indication Board) are arranged in holding areas for the convenience of the passengers. Lights in the FOBs have been intensified.

In case of any emergency, a complaint – cum – helpline no. has been provided i.e.  9046194511.

With these comprehensive measures in place, Asansol Division provides a safe, comfortable, and organised experience for all pilgrims during Shravani Mela 2025. Devotees were advised to follow safety protocols and cooperate with railway staff for a smooth journey.

Team Maverick