Between July 1 and July 10, a total of 239 trains (121 special and 118 regular) were operated to manage the heavy passenger flow, all on a single-line section
A record 27.4 lakh devotees arrived in Pandharpur this year during Ashadhi Ekadashi 2025. Pic/Arranged by Rajendra B. Aklekar
Central Railway on Friday said that its Solapur division played a vital role in supporting the smooth and safe travel of over 2 lakh Warkari pilgrims during the Ashadhi Ekadashi 2025 in Maharashtra's Pandharpur, an official statement said.
Between July 1 and July 10, a total of 239 trains (121 special and 118 regular) were operated to manage the heavy passenger flow, all on a single-line section.
A record 27.4 lakh devotees arrived in Pandharpur this year and with careful planning and coordination by the railway teams, the event ended with zero injuries or casualties which is a major achievement in crowd management, an official said.
"From the regular 2 UTS windows, 4 ATVM terminals and 1 PRS window, services were scaled with additional 9 UTS counters, 2 ATVMs, and 5 mobile UTS terminals, helping pilgrims get tickets hassle free without long queues. Three dedicated holding zones of 2680 sq. m. with drinking water and toilet facilities provided resting space for passengers ensuring safety and order during peak rush," the official statement said.
How the passenger management was planned-
According to the Central Railway, 22 trains were run on Ekadashi (July 6) and 18 the next day to handle the rush.
- Extra UTS counters, mobile ticket machines, and ATVMs helped passengers avoid queues.
- Three dedicated areas with drinking water and toilets offered rest and order during peak hours.
- Over 50 boards, help desks, and special timetables assisted travellers throughout the station and town.
- Two 125 kV DG sets ensured power remained uninterrupted.
- CCTV cameras, megaphones, and round-the-clock staff kept passengers safe and informed.
- A 13-member medical team, including 3 doctors, was on duty 24/7, with ambulances on standby.
- Over 150 mobile toilets, 60 permanent toilets, and constant cleaning kept the station neat and welcoming.
- 91 water taps were active, along with free packaged water and juice offered on-site.
- Officers were assigned daily, with commercial staff, ticket checkers, and supervisors ensuring crowd control.
"The seamless coordination among various departments like commercial, operating, electrical, signal and telecommunication, engineering, security and medical has been made possible through the on-ground presence and leadership of key officers from Solapur division," the officials said.
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