Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Sealdah Division Plans 270 Ex-Servicemen for Durga Puja Security
Sealdah Division expects many people to travel by train during Durga Puja.
It plans to hire 270 former servicemen to help keep stations safe for 90 days.
They are expected to start by Panchami, after their documents and health are checked.
They will work with Railway Protection Force staff at platforms and other places.
The division also plans to add about 1,200 RPF personnel.
Cameras at more than 100 stations will send live pictures to a control room at Sealdah Station.
If a station becomes too crowded, staff may guide passengers to a holding area in a parking lot.
The plan follows last year's one-day passenger count of 21 lakh at Sealdah Station on Saptami.
Sealdah Division plans to hire 270 ex-servicemen for 90 days during Durga Puja.
The recruits are expected to begin work by Panchami, after document checks and medical screening.
They will work alongside Railway Protection Force personnel at platforms, level-crossing gates and other locations.
Around 1,200 additional RPF personnel are also planned for deployment during the festival.
CCTV feeds from more than 100 stations will be monitored at Sealdah Station, with a parking lot designated as a crowd holding area.
- Who
- Sealdah Division, its security wing, ex-servicemen and Railway Protection Force personnel.
- What
- The division plans to hire 270 ex-servicemen and deploy around 1,200 additional RPF personnel for festival security.
- When
- During the Durga Puja season; the ex-servicemen are expected to start by Panchami and serve for 90 days.
- Where
- Railway stations under Sealdah Division, including Sealdah Station.
- Why
- To manage anticipated passenger crowds and strengthen safety and security during Durga Puja.
- Planned ex-servicemen hires
- 270
- Planned service period
- 90 days
- Expected start
- By Panchami of Durga Puja
- Additional RPF personnel planned
- Around 1,200
- Stations with CCTV cameras
- More than 100
- Sealdah Station footfall last year
- 21 lakh passengers in one day on Saptami
- Previous year's ex-servicemen hires
- Around 208