NFR gears up for Ambubachi mela 2026 with special trains
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has announced a series of extensive arrangements to facilitate the movement of thousands of devotees expected to attend the annual Ambubachi Mela at the sacred Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati from June 22 to 25, 2026.
Anticipating a significant increase in passenger traffic during the religious festival, NFR has put in place a comprehensive plan that includes operating special trains, augmenting existing services, deploying additional staff and security personnel, and establishing dedicated help desks and enquiry counters at key railway stations.
To accommodate the anticipated rush, NFR will run three special unreserved train services with nearly 50 General Second Class (GS) coaches connecting Kamakhya with important destinations across Assam and North Bengal.
Several regular passenger trains will also be temporarily strengthened with 11 additional GS coaches to increase carrying capacity during the mela period.
As part of the special arrangements, Train No. 05661 Kamakhya-Alipurduar Junction one-way special train will depart from Kamakhya on June 19 and reach Alipurduar the following day.
Daily special services, Train Nos. 05444 and 05445, will operate between Alipurduar and Kamakhya from June 20 to 22 and again from June 24 to 27, providing enhanced connectivity for pilgrims travelling between Assam and North Bengal.
In addition, Train No. 05780 New Jalpaiguri-Kamakhya special train will run on June 20 and 27, while Train No. 05779 Kamakhya-New Jalpaiguri special train will operate on June 21 and 28, offering additional travel options for devotees visiting the shrine.
To ease ticketing and passenger assistance, NFR will keep additional ticket counters operational round the clock at Kamakhya and Guwahati railway stations. Special help desks and enquiry counters will also be set up to provide information and support to pilgrims throughout the festival period.
The railway administration has also strengthened security and crowd management measures. Additional personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and commercial and technical departments will be deployed at Kamakhya, Guwahati and other important stations. Around 200 volunteers from the NFR Bharat Scouts and Guides will assist devotees with guidance and support services.
Officials said the arrangements are aimed at ensuring smooth passenger movement, effective crowd control and enhanced convenience during one of the most significant religious gatherings in Northeast India.
With the preparations in place, Northeast Frontier Railway is set to provide a safe, comfortable and seamless travel experience for devotees attending the Ambubachi Mela 2026.
