Ashadhi Fair 2025: Solapur Division Of Central Railway Runs 239 Trains, Serves 2 Lakh+ Devotees With Compassion & Care

The Solapur Division of Central Railway stood shoulder to shoulder with lakhs of Warkari pilgrims, ensuring their journey was not just devotional—but safe, smooth, and filled with care. This year, the Ashadhi Fair 2025 witnessed a remarkable 27.4 lakh devotees arriving at Pandharpur.

Robust Operational Measures for Devotee Movement:

Over 2 lakh pilgrims directly passed through Pandharpur Railway Station from July 1 to July 10, 2025. Rising to the occasion, Solapur Division operated 239 train services (121 special + 118 regular) — all on a single-line section. Solapur Division ran as many as 22 trains on the main day, Ekadashi on July 6th and 18 on the following day to disperse the massive crowd with compassion and coordination. 

Crowd Management: A Zero-Incident Success Story

Perhaps the greatest testament to this coordinated effort is the achievement of a “Zero Injury – Zero Casualty” Fair through efficient crowd management, despite an exponential rise in crowd footfall compared to last year—a feat accomplished through teamwork, planning and unwavering commitment.

Humanity in Action

More than logistics, the event was a demonstration of selfless service. From helping elderly pilgrims board trains, to guiding them towards medical aid, the Railway staff, security forces and civil defence volunteers became the unsung heroes of this grand spiritual march.

Key Arrangements & Initiatives:

- Ticketing Made Effortless: 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.

- Holding Zones for Pilgrims: 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.

- Guidance with Empathy: Over 50 passenger guidance boards and special timetable displays in the city and station guided devotees to temples, platforms, and amenities with ease. 24x7 Help Desks manned by Railway Commercial and RPF staff added a human touch to assistance.

- Electrical Arrangements: Two DG sets of 125 KV each were provided as stand by for uninterrupted power supply. 

- Indicator Boards: 5-line and single line train indicator boards and coach indication boards were installed on key locations and platforms.

- Security with Surveillance: Security personnel deployed were backed by CCTV cameras and megaphones ensured a secure environment. The CCTV room doubled up as a control room during the fair.

- Health & Emergency Services: A dedicated medical team of 13 staff including 3 doctors remained on duty round the clock, supported by ambulance services and Civil Defence Volunteers who assisted elderly and ill passengers.

- Cleanliness & Sanitation: With over 150 mobile toilets, 60 permanent toilets, 20 bathrooms and constant sanitation, pilgrims found a clean and welcoming railway station throughout.

- Drinking Water & Refreshments: 91 water taps were operational, complemented by state-sponsored free packaged water and juice for devotees in railway premises.

- Manpower Deployment: To ensure seamless operations during the Ashadhi Fair, day-wise officers were nominated throughout the event. Commercial staff was deployed for ticket issuance, supported by ticket checking personnel to manage the crowd effectively. Additionally, commercial supervisors were posted in shifts to oversee crowd control and station activities.

The seamless coordination among various departments like commercial, operating, electrical, signal & telecommunication, engineering, security and medical has been made possible through the on-ground presence and leadership of key officers from Solapur Division. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Solapur Division was monitoring all operations from Kurduvadi station, the main junction point to reach Pandharpur. Among those camping at Pandharpur station were Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr DCM) Shri Yogesh Patil, Divisional Security Commissioner (DSC) RPF Shri Aditya, Assistant Security Commissioner (ASC) RPF Shri Rajeev Kanuajia, Assistant Operating Manager (AOM) Shri Lakhanji Jha along with a committed team of officers and staff to supervise the operations at the station to oversee end-to-end arrangements. The tireless dedication of railway personnel—from commercial, station and technical staff to medical units, RPF, and volunteers—demonstrates the spirit of “Seva Parmo Dharma”.