Shrawani Mela: DRM inspects preparations at Sultanganj, Bhagalpur railway stations

Bhagalpur: As part of preparations for Shrawani Mela 2026, Eastern Railway’s Malda divisional railway manager Manish Kumar Gupta on Thursday inspected Sultanganj and Bhagalpur railway stations to review arrangements for the lakhs of pilgrims expected during the monthlong festival.Accompanied by branch officers from various departments, Gupta assessed passenger amenities, drinking water facilities, waiting areas, toilets, medical assistance, security measures, crowd management, ticketing arrangements, cleanliness and lighting at the stations and surrounding railway premises.Special emphasis was placed on ensuring safe and comfortable travel for pilgrims, particularly during the peak rush on Mondays.

The DRM reviewed the preparedness of all railway departments to handle the expected surge in passenger traffic throughout the festival.At Sultanganj railway station, Gupta inspected the ongoing construction of a 12-metre-wide foot overbridge and directed officials to expedite the work. He also asked officials to conduct a survey on crowd movement during peak periods, noting that the new facility would help streamline passenger flow and strengthen crowd-management measures.

Speaking to the reporters, Gupta said the railways had intensified preparations for the annual pilgrimage.“Railways have geared up its machinery for the upcoming monthlong Shrawani Mela 2026,” he said.Referring to arrangements on the Sahibganj-Bhagalpur-Sultanganj section, Gupta said the focus was on passenger convenience, crowd regulation, cleanliness, security and operational readiness to ensure smooth services during the festival season.He said instructions had been issued to all concerned officials to complete preparations on time and maintain close coordination among departments.“The railway police forces have been geared up and other security arrangements are also being made for the safety of the pilgrims,” Gupta added.The monthlong Shravani Mela is scheduled to begin on July 30 and conclude on Aug 28. Every year, an estimated 50 lakh to 55 lakh pilgrims visit Sultanganj before undertaking the barefoot journey to the Lord Shiva temple in Deoghar.