The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has announced extensive preparations to ensure a smooth, safe, and comfortable pilgrimage for the thousands of devotees expected to attend the annual Ambubachi Mela at the historic Kamakhya Temple. Scheduled from June 22 to June 25, the revered festival draws pilgrims from across India and beyond, leading to a significant surge in passenger traffic.
Anticipating this considerable influx, NFR is rolling out a comprehensive suite of passenger-centric measures. These include the operation of special unreserved train services, the provision of round-the-clock ticketing facilities, and the strategic deployment of additional railway and security personnel across key stations. These arrangements are aimed at facilitating seamless movement, effective crowd management, and enhanced convenience for all pilgrims.
To specifically cater to the heightened demand, NFR will operate three special unreserved train services. These services, comprising nearly 50 General Second Class (GS) coaches, are designed to connect Kamakhya with important destinations within Assam, thereby easing travel for a large number of attendees. Railway officials highlighted that these special trains are crucial for managing the concentrated rush during the mela period.
Beyond transportation, the railway authority is also focusing on pilgrim welfare. Dedicated help desks and inquiry counters will be established at various points to assist travelers. Furthermore, provisions for the distribution of essential amenities such as food packets and drinking water are being made available to ensure the well-being of the devotees throughout their journey and stay. These proactive steps underscore NFR's commitment to facilitating a spiritually enriching and hassle-free experience for everyone attending the Ambubachi Mela, one of the region’s most significant spiritual gatherings.