Eastern Railway (ER) medical teams at Jasidih and Deoghar stations have been providing round-the-clock care to pilgrims returning from Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Jharkhand, treating severe foot injuries, dehydration, and exhaustion-related disorientation during the ongoing Shravani Mela. By 17 August, nearly 20 lakh devotees had passed through ER stations en route to the shrine, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a Shakti Peeth.

Medical Teams on Round-the-Clock Alert

General Manager Gitika Pandey and Divisional Railway Manager Sangrah Maurya of the Asansol division have directed railway medical staff to remain on continuous alert throughout the pilgrimage season. Teams at both stations are treating health complications arising from prolonged barefoot walking, physical exertion, and fatigue. Principal Chief Medical Director Nataraj Basappa has personally reviewed facilities and interacted with pilgrims and patients through repeated visits to medical and first-aid centres.

Treating Severe Foot Injuries and Exhaustion

Medical staff at the Deoghar First Aid Booth have been managing advanced wound care for devotees presenting with extensive, ruptured friction blisters across the forefoot and toes — a direct consequence of prolonged barefoot walking. According to officials, the team thoroughly cleaned, irrigated, and dressed exposed raw areas with sterile, non-adherent padding, administered analgesics, assessed the need for tetanus prophylaxis, and provided recovery guidance.

At Jasidih station, medical staff swiftly arranged wheelchair assistance for a disoriented pilgrim requiring emergency care for heat exhaustion. Doctors at the Jasidih Health Unit stabilised the patient with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), close clinical observation, and supportive care, successfully restoring his alertness before reuniting him with his family.

Infrastructure and Safety Measures at Stations

Beyond medical care, Eastern Railway has put in place dedicated holding areas to prevent platform overcrowding, rest zones with mobile charging points, drinking water facilities, and toilets. Continuous CCTV monitoring has been deployed across stations to ensure pilgrim safety, with medical staff maintaining parallel health surveillance.

What Officials Said

'These instances reflect ER's unwavering commitment to timely medical intervention, continuous monitoring and compassionate care for pilgrims during the Shravani Mela,' a senior official said. 'From treating foot injuries to managing dehydration, exhaustion and other health concerns, prompt medical attention helps prevent complications and ensures a safer, healthier and more comfortable pilgrimage experience for every devotee.'

ER Chief Public Relations Officer Shibram Majhi said, 'Passenger and pilgrim safety remains our foremost priority. ER's responsibility goes far beyond transit — through dedicated medical teams, prompt wheelchair assistance, and compassionate care, we strive to stand beside every devotee. We are reaching the spiritual hearts of thousands by providing care, compassion and a helping hand at every step.'

With the Shravani Mela still under way, Eastern Railway's medical preparedness will continue to be tested as pilgrim volumes remain high through the season's final days.