HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, June 16: Anticipating a large influx of pilgrims for the annual Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya Temple later this month, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has announced a series of measures aimed at ensuring smooth travel and passenger convenience during the four-day event.
In an official statement issued on Monday, NFR said it is making “extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth, safe and comfortable travel experience” for thousands of devotees.
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To cater to the anticipated rush, the railway zone will operate three unreserved special train services comprising nearly 50 General Second Class coaches connecting Kamakhya with important destinations in Assam and North Bengal. Apart from this, the NFR will also temporarily augment several regular passenger trains with 11 additional general coaches to increase carrying capacity during the mela period.
As part of the special arrangements, Train No. 05661 Kamakhya–Alipurduar Junction one-way special train will depart from Kamakhya on June 19 and reach Alipurduar the following day. Train Nos. 05444 and 05445 Alipurduar–Kamakhya–Alipurduar special services will run daily from June 20 to 22 and again from June 24 to 27.
Additionally, Train No. 05780 New Jalpaiguri–Kamakhya special train will operate on June 20 and June 27, while Train No. 05779 Kamakhya–New Jalpaiguri special train will run on June 21 and June 28.
“These arrangements are aimed at facilitating seamless movement of devotees, effective crowd management and enhanced passenger convenience during one of the region’s most significant spiritual gatherings,” NFR added.
In a bid to ease ticketing, additional booking counters will remain open round the clock at Kamakhya and Guwahati railway stations. Special help desks and enquiry counters are also being set up to assist pilgrims with travel-related information and guidance.
The railway zone said additional personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), commercial and technical departments will be deployed at Kamakhya, Guwahati and other key stations to ensure crowd regulation and passenger safety.
The statement further claimed that around 200 volunteers from the NFR Bharat Scouts and Guides will also be stationed at strategic locations to help pilgrims with information and support services. “With these comprehensive arrangements in place, Northeast Frontier Railway is geared up to facilitate a safe, convenient and seamless pilgrimage experience for devotees attending the Ambubachi Mela and ensure smooth passenger movement throughout the festival period,” the statement concluded.
