Bhagalpur: As Sunil Sinha alighted at Bhagalpur station under Malda division of Eastern Railway on Sunday — the day of 'kharna' — he was up for a pleasant surprise. With Chhath songs reverberating through the station premises, passengers like Sinha did not have to wait to hit the decked-up roads to feel the festive vibe and devotional atmosphere.
“We were pleasantly surprised by the railways’ arrangements, especially seeing Chhath-related devotional songs at the TV screens installed at the platforms,” Sinha said on Sunday.
A performance podium has also been set up for cultural and musical performances.
The railways has undertaken an extensive measure not just to create the devotional vibe, but also to ensure smooth and safe travel for passengers in Malda-Sahibganj-Jamalpur railway section, experiencing a huge Chhath rush.
Two temporary holding areas for passengers have been set up at Bhagalpur railway station — a 20m×10m at the circulating area with a capacity of around 1,200 passengers and another of 13.20m×6.5m for about 500 people at platform 1. Both areas have been equipped with lighting, fans and adequate seating, besides public announcement systems.
With an aim to minimise congestion at ticket counters, ticketing facilities have been introduced at the holding areas. Continuous surveillance through 84 CCTV cameras are ensuring effective crowd regulation.
Manish Kumar Gupta, divisional railway manager (DRM) at Malda, said on Sunday that for enhanced security, dog squad checks are also being conducted. The DRM added medical facilities and ambulance services, in coordination with Sadar Hospital, Bhagalpur, have been arranged for any emergency assistance.
Additional amenities such as clean drinking water (being provided by NGOs), strategically placed dustbins, mobile ticketing services, updated train timetables and comfortable seating arrangements have been made.
Members of Central Railway Passengers’ Association, along with railway personnel, are also volunteering in assisting devotees in the holding areas.
Start a Conversation
Post comment