Seamless service and zero incidents: Solapur Railway Division's remarkable handling of Ashadhi Fair pilgrims
As per the information provided by the railway officials, more than two lakh passengers passed through Pandharpur Railway Station alone between July 1 and July 10. In response to the surge, the division successfully operated 239 trains — 121 special and 118 regular — on a single-line section, an exceptional feat of coordination. On the main day of Ekadashi (July 6), 22 trains were run, followed by 18 trains the next day to disperse the massive crowd.
Meticulous planning and logistical arrangements
Thanks to meticulous planning and teamwork, the entire operation concluded with zero injuries or casualties, marking a significant achievement in crowd management. This success was made possible not only through logistical arrangements but also through the dedication and selfless service of railway staff, security forces, and civil defence volunteers, who guided elderly passengers, provided medical aid, and ensured order at every step.
To make ticketing effortless, the existing infrastructure was scaled up with nine additional Unreserved Ticketing Systems (UTS), Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and Mobile UTS Terminals (electronic devices or tablets carried by ticketing staff). Three holding zones covering 2,680 square metres, equipped with drinking water and toilet facilities, were set up to accommodate pilgrims during peak rush hours. Over 50 passenger guidance boards and special timetables were installed across the city and station to direct devotees to key locations, aided by 24/7 help desks manned by Commercial and RPF staff.
Electrical supply was ensured through two standby diesel generator sets of 125 KV each. Indicator boards, including five-line and single-line displays, were placed across platforms and waiting areas. Security was strengthened with increased deployment of personnel and the installation of CCTV cameras and megaphones, with a control room set up at the CCTV hub to oversee safety.
Health and emergency arrangements were comprehensive, with a dedicated team of 13 medical personnel, including three doctors on constant duty, supported by ambulance services and volunteers. Cleanliness and hygiene were maintained with 150 mobile toilets, 60 permanent toilets, 20 bathrooms, and continuous sanitation work. Drinking water was made available through 91 taps, with free packaged water and juice distributed by the State for the benefit of the devotees.
Commitment to public service
'To handle the massive turnout efficiently, commercial staff were deployed for ticket issuance and checking, while commercial supervisors managed crowd control in shifts. Officers from various departments, including operating, commercial, electrical, signal and telecommunications, engineering, security, and medical, worked in close coordination. The Ashadhi Fair 2025 showcased the Solapur Division's unwavering commitment to public service,' Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Sujeet Mishra, who supervised operations from Kurduvadi station, said.
At Pandharpur station, on-ground supervision was led by Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr DCM) Yogesh Patil, Divisional Security Commissioner (DSC) RPF Aditya, Assistant Security Commissioner (ASC) RPF Shri Rajeev Kanuajia, and Assistant Operating Manager (AOM) Shri Lakhanji Jha. Their efforts, supported by a committed team, ensured end-to-end operational readiness.
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