Security has been bolstered at Jasidih railway station in Jharkhand ahead of the upcoming Sravani Mela 2026, with an expected daily influx of nearly one lakh pilgrims. The Eastern Railway (ER) has intensified security and crowd control arrangements to ensure a safe and smooth journey for devotees visiting Baba Baidyanath Dham. A.N. Sinha, Railway Protection Force (RPF) Inspector General (IG) of ER, along with Asansol Senior Divisional Security Commissioner Pawan Kumar, inspected the security measures at the station as part of the preparations.
The inspection focused on various areas including the passenger holding section, station premises, Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), and the Jasidih RPF Post. Special emphasis was placed on the newly developed passenger holding area, aimed at regulating the movement of pilgrims before they enter the station to avoid overcrowding and ensure a seamless passenger flow. Sinha also evaluated the deployment of AI-enabled Face Recognition System (FRS) cameras strategically placed at the station.
The Face Recognition System (FRS) cameras are integrated with a database of known offenders to provide real-time alerts upon detecting listed individuals. This enables RPF personnel to promptly identify and intercept suspicious or wanted persons. The assessment also covered the surveillance network, security personnel deployment, crowd management strategies, and emergency response mechanisms to handle the expected increase in pilgrim traffic effectively.
A high-level coordination meeting was held with senior officials from various railway departments, Government Railway Police (GRP), local police, and civil administration to strengthen inter-agency coordination and ensure synchronized action for smooth passenger movement, enhanced security, and efficient management throughout the Mela period. The focus was on effective communication and coordinated efforts to enhance security and passenger experience.
During a Suraksha Sammelan, the IG emphasized the importance of vigilance, professionalism, and passenger-centric service to the RPF personnel. Measures such as round-the-clock crowd management, security escorts on Mela Special trains, 24×7 passenger assistance and help desks, enhanced surveillance, and strict action against anti-social elements were directed to maintain a safe environment for pilgrims. The ER has taken preventive measures to ensure a secure travel environment for both pilgrims and regular passengers during this period. Security personnel have been trained to maintain cordial behavior and ensure control in all situations.
