In a major relief for thousands of pilgrims, Eastern Railway has announced a fleet of special trains to cater to the massive rush for the annual Baruni Mela. The festival, which holds immense religious significance for the Matua community, is scheduled to take place on March 16 at Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas.

Recognizing the influx of lakhs of devotees from across the state, the Sealdah Division has decided to operate additional services on the Sealdah-Bongaon section. These special trains will ensure that devotees can travel comfortably to take their holy dip during the Baruni Snan. The services are slated to begin in the early hours of March 16 and will continue throughout the peak hours of the festival.

To manage the crowd, the railway authorities are also deploying extra RPF personnel and opening additional ticket counters at major transit points. This proactive measure by the railways aims to prevent the chaotic situations often witnessed during such large-scale religious gatherings. The Matua community and local organizers have welcomed this decision, as it will significantly ease the commute for pilgrims traveling from distant districts.