Kolkata, Oct. 25 -- The Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway recorded a passenger footfall of 2.63 crore between Sashti (October 16) and Dashami (October 21) during Durga Puja this year, registering a 33.44% increase over the previous year.
The division recorded 2,63,39,698 passenger movements during the six-day period. The increase was partly attributed to Saptami falling across two days this year, adding an extra day to the festive period.
To manage the festive rush, the division operated 266 special train services. Sealdah, Dum Dum, Bidhannagar Road, Sonarpur, Ballygunge, Ranaghat and Kalyani were among the stations that recorded high passenger footfall. Kalyani witnessed a 14.01% increase in passenger movement.
All departments of Sealdah Division worked in coordination to manage crowds, guide passengers and ensure safety at stations. Railway personnel and volunteers were deployed to regulate passenger movement and provide assistance through public announcement systems and megaphones. A divisional war room monitored crowd movement and operational arrangements.
Divisional Railway Manager, Sealdah, Rajeev Saxena, credited the coordinated efforts of railway personnel, special train services and crowd management measures for handling the
passenger rush.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.