NFR to run special trains, deploy additional staff for Ambubachi Mela

Maligaon, June 16 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has announced a series of measures, including special train services, enhanced ticketing facilities and additional personnel deployment, to manage the expected surge in passenger traffic during the Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati from June 22 to 25.

According to an NFR release, three special unreserved train services comprising nearly 50 General Second Class coaches will be operated to facilitate the movement of pilgrims between Kamakhya and key destinations in Assam and North Bengal. Several regular passenger trains will also be temporarily augmented with 11 additional General Second Class 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. Train Nos. 05444/05445 Alipurduar–Kamakhya–Alipurduar special trains will run daily from June 20 to 22 and from June 24 to 27. Additionally, Train No. 05780 New Jalpaiguri–Kamakhya special train will operate on June 20 and 27, while Train No. 05779 Kamakhya–New Jalpaiguri special train will run on June 21 and 28.

To facilitate ticketing, additional counters will remain operational round the clock at Kamakhya and Guwahati railway stations. Help desks and enquiry counters will also be set up to provide information and assistance to pilgrims.

NFR stated that 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 for crowd management and passenger assistance.

Around 200 volunteers from the NFR Bharat Scouts and Guides will also be engaged to assist pilgrims with guidance and support services during the festival.

The measures are aimed at ensuring smooth passenger movement, effective crowd management and enhanced convenience for devotees travelling to one of the region's largest annual religious gatherings, it added.