Kolkata: The Eastern Railway is set to nearly double the number of local trains plying in the Sealdah division to meet the footfall of pandal hoppers during Durga Puja. This time the division will roll out 38 overnight suburban train services between 11pm and 5am from Oct 16 to 21. In addition to the night services, the railways will run 13 puja special local train services in Sealdah main, north and south sections during the festival. After 2pm galloping trains will stop at all stations under the division during the puja, said Rajeev Saxena, divisional railway manager (DRM) of Sealdah“Total 51 special trains will be run between Oct 16 and 21 against 31 last year. This year there will be 38 overnight train services against 30 last year.We have reinforced our operational network with overnight services, 24×7 war room surveillance, and upgraded passenger amenities across all major stations. Every frontline team will remain on high alert round the clock to ensure that the festive celebrations are entirely hassle-free,” said DRM.In view of crowd-pulling pujas, the railway authority has identified major stations like Sealdah, Ballygunge, Dum Dum, Sonarpur, Naihati and Ranaghat to make special arrangements like standby train rakes, reserve loco crews, medical booths, help desks, quick response mobile maintenance teams and additional toilet blocks. Four special local trains will operate on Sealdah-Ranaghat-Lalgola route from Oct 10 to 15. Some additional services that the railway authority has planned to introduced after puja include late night train service between Sealdah and Budge Budge, new AC local stoppage at Badkulla station and enhanced frequency on Shantipur-Krishnanagar section.
