IG-CUM-PCSC/ER CONDUCTS HIGH-LEVEL SECURITY INSPECTION AT SEALDAH STATION AHEAD OF GANGASAGAR MELA 2026
Kolkata, January 10, 2026
In view of the upcoming Gangasagar Mela 2026, Shri Amiya Nandan Sinha, Inspector General-cum-Principal Chief Security Commissioner (PCSC), Eastern Railway conducted a high-level inspection of Sealdah Railway Station on 10th January, 2026 to review the comprehensive and multi-layered security arrangements put in place to manage the expected massive influx of pilgrims travelling to Sagar Island.
During the inspection, Shri Sinha reviewed the overall security deployment and surveillance mechanisms. A total of 54 officers and 340 RPF personnel have been earmarked for deployment at Sealdah, working in close coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP) and State Police. The entire station premises are under 24×7 surveillance through high-definition CCTV cameras, with 28 additional cameras installed to cover vulnerable locations and passenger holding areas. Advanced security measures, including Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) and staggered movement protocols for inbound and outbound passengers, have been introduced to prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth passenger flow.
Operational preparedness was also reviewed in detail. To enhance passenger safety, RPF escorts will be provided on night-bound EMU Mela Special trains. In order to ease congestion, Sealdah Division has scaled up operations to run a record 126 special trains during the Mela period. Dog squads, including sniffer and explosive detection units, will remain actively deployed in waiting halls, passenger areas and onboard trains. For effective crowd management, specific platforms, including Platforms 15 and 16 at Sealdah South, have been earmarked exclusively for Mela-bound trains.
Passenger facilitation and welfare measures form a key part of the arrangements. “May I Help You” help desks, jointly manned by RPF and GRP, have been made operational to guide and assist pilgrims. Dedicated passenger holding areas have been evaluated and strengthened to handle peak rush smoothly without causing inconvenience. Additionally, 24×7 medical assistance booths, staffed with doctors and paramedics, have been positioned at Sealdah Station to provide immediate medical support to passengers.
The inspection reaffirmed the commitment of RPF and Eastern Railway to ensure a safe, secure and hassle-free travel experience for lakhs of pilgrims during Gangasagar Mela 2026 through robust security planning, advanced technology and coordinated inter-agency efforts.
