ASANSOL DIVISION ENSURES SAFE, COMFORTABLE, AND DIGNIFIED TRAVEL DURING FESTIVE SEASON 2025

Press Release No. : ER/ASN/2025/10/42

Asansol, 22 October 2025:

Indian Railways, as the lifeline of the nation, continues its unwavering commitment to safe and comfortable travel for passengers during the ongoing festive season, reflecting the spirit of “Seva, Suraksha, Sankalp” – Service, Safety, and Commitment. Asansol Division of Eastern Railway has implemented extensive operational and passenger-centric measures to manage the unprecedented festive rush efficiently and sensitively.

A Press Conference on behalf of Asansol Division, Eastern Railway was held today, 22nd October 2025, in the New Conference Room at the office of the Divisional Railway Manager, Asansol. Smt. Vinita Srivastava, Divisional Railway Manager, Asansol; Shri Pravin Kumar Prem, Additional Divisional Railway Manager; and Senior Branch Officers were present during the press meet. The briefing covered the initiatives and measures undertaken by Asansol Division during the ongoing festive season to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable travel for passengers. Key areas highlighted included arrangements for passenger assistance, security, medical readiness, and operational supervision at major stations.

This year, Indian Railways has operated a record 12,000 Festival Special Trains, marking a 55% increase over last year’s 7,724 specials, reflecting enhanced capacity and growing public trust. Over Asansol Division, 42 pairs of special trains were operated during this festive season of Diwali and Chhath (6 originating, 36 passing), compared to 23 pairs last year, registering a remarkable increase of about 82.6%.

Between 1st October and 20th October 2025, major stations under Asansol Division recorded remarkable passenger footfall:
• Asansol Junction (ASN) – 13,40,646 passengers
• Durgapur (DGR) – 8,16,228 passengers
• Jasidih Junction (JSME) – 6,98,903 passengers
• Madhupur (MDP) – 3,37,879 passengers
• Chittaranjan (CRJ) – 98,357 passengers

To meet growing demand, additional coaches have been attached to several trains including 13021/22 Mithila Express, 13105/06 Sealdah–Ballia Express, 13185/86 Gangasagar Express, and 13009/10 Doon Express, each augmented by one General Second Class coach. Temporary holding areas have been established to manage heavy passenger flow — 365 sq. mtr. at Asansol and 278.8 sq. mtr. each at Jasidih and Madhupur.

Passenger convenience has been prioritized through enhanced amenities such as extended waiting areas, drinking water booths, improved lighting, clear signage, queue management systems, shelters from sun and rain, and frequent announcements. Dedicated helpdesks and information counters at key stations ensure timely guidance, while special care is being extended to senior citizens, Divyangjan, women, and children through dedicated assistance by staff and volunteers. Enhanced cleanliness and sanitation drives have been conducted before and during the festive period to maintain hygienic station environments.

Round-the-clock control rooms and war rooms at  divisional headquarters, Asansol ensure constant monitoring and coordination. Real-time supervision through upgraded CCTV networks facilitates passenger dispersal and safety oversight. Close coordination with local administration, RPF and GRP ensures discipline, safety, and security across all stations.

Medical preparedness has been strengthened with Emergency Medical Rooms on high alert at major stations, supported by round-the-clock availability of doctors, paramedics, and first-aid facilities at Asansol, Jasidih, and Madhupur. Adequate ambulance services are also kept ready for any emergency response.

Two scratch rakes have been arranged using spare coaches at Asansol Junction to manage  heavy rush. Queue formation and separate entry–exit arrangements have been introduced for smooth boarding and deboarding at major stations.

A large workforce of railway employees has been deployed 24×7 across stations for on-ground management and passenger facilitation supported by officers from Operating, Commercial, Electrical, Mechanical, and Security departments. Additionally, a total of 620 Railway Protection Force (RPF)  personnel have been deployed across key stations under Asansol Division and an 180 personnel are deployed in train rescorts to ensure crowd control, surveillance, and passenger safety.

Through meticulous planning, inter-departmental coordination, and human-centric management, Asansol Division of Eastern Railway has successfully ensured safe, comfortable, and dignified travel for all passengers during the festive season — reaffirming its commitment to the guiding principle of “Seva, Suraksha, Sankalp.”