Eastern Railway to run additional trains for Gangasagar Mela

The Eastern Railway (ER) will run additional trains, provide special sanitary arrangements and security for the convenience of pilgrims during the Gangasagar Mela scheduled to begin in West Bengal Jan 12, a statement said Thursday.

Gangasagar fair and pilgrimage is held annually at Sagar Island, in the Ganga delta in Bay of Bengal.

Thousands take a dip during Makar Sankranti, that is usually celebrated Jan 14 or 15 every year, and is the second largest congregation of people after the Kumbha Mela.

"As many as seven additional electrical multiple unit (EMU) local trains will run on the Sealdah-Lakshmikantapur-Namkhana section from Jan 12 to 16, 2015. Moreover, three local trains will be extended," an ER release said.

According to the release, "special sanitary arrangements have been made at different stations on the Sealdah south section, especially at Sealdah, Baruipur, Kakdwip and Namkhana with provision of adequate and emergency lighting arrangements at those stations".

Electric pumps will be operated round the clock at Kakdwip and Namkhana.

For the convenience of the pilgrims, sufficient number of booking counters will be opened at Sealdah, Kakdwip and Namkhana round the clock.

The statement said that strict vigil is being maintained by Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel at Diamond Harbour, Lakshmikantapur, Namkhana and Kakdwip stations in coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP).

"May I Help' counters are provided at Sealdah south, Baruipur, Kakdwip and Namkhana stations. Volunteers of Civil Defence, Scout and Guide of Eastern Railway and St. John Ambulance brigade will also be deployed at those stations.

"Two tower vans are kept ready at Baruipur and Lakshmikantapur to rush to any emergency situation. Moreover, medical unit will be stalled at Kakdwip Railway station to render first aid," it said.

In addition, police assistance booths have been opened at Sealdah, Baruipur, Kakdwip, Namkhana and Lakshmikantapur.