(Chief Secretary to Review Gangasagar Mela Preparations; State Plans Kumbh-Scale Arrangements)
BY DEBASHREE CHAKRABORTY
SAGAR ISLAND | 14 NOVEMBER 2026
Domestic and international travelers looking to attend the upcoming Gangasagar Mela will soon have a faster, more convenient way to make the pilgrimage. For the first time, the West Bengal government is introducing dedicated commercial helicopter services, enabling visitors to fly in for their morning prayers and return by afternoon.
West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal announced the new air connectivity on Saturday following a high-level preparatory meeting on Sagar Island. Agarwal stated that the administration is scaling up the event to match the grandeur of the Kumbh Mela, adding air travel to the existing land and waterway transit options.
Until now, chopper operations at the fair were strictly reserved for government officials and medical emergencies. Opening the skies to general devotees is expected to draw a larger crowd of time-pressed tourists and pilgrims from across India and abroad.
Key Travel & Safety Highlights:
• Chopper Fleet & Bookings: The state government will lease 8 to 10 helicopters for the duration of the fair. Travelers will be able to pre-book their seats, with official booking portals and fare details set to be announced soon through a dedicated publicity drive.
• Upgraded Accommodation: To eliminate fire hazards and improve visitor safety, the district administration is replacing traditional hogla (thatch) sheds with safer, modern tents.
• Pilgrim-Friendly Environment: Authorities have issued a strict directive ensuring a zero-tolerance policy against the harassment of visiting devotees and tourists.
Following the recent political transition in the state, the Suvendu Adhikari-led government has actively pushed to secure national fair status for the annual religious gathering. The launch of commercial air transit marks a major step in modernizing infrastructure and boosting religious tourism to Sagar Island.
The Chief Secretary is scheduled to inspect ongoing preparations for the upcoming Gangasagar Mela, as the state government ramps up efforts to host the annual pilgrimage on a scale comparable to the Kumbh Mela.
Speaking on the state’s blueprint for the event, the Chief Secretary promised an unprecedented experience for visitors. “This year’s Sagar Mela will surpass everything people have seen before,” he stated, noting that special reception arrangements will be established across various parts of the state to welcome incoming devotees. To manage the massive influx of visitors smoothly, existing holding centers will be expanded, and comprehensive service facilities are being put in place so pilgrims return with a positive experience.
To streamline river transit across the Muriganga, the administration is significantly scaling up its fleet. While four to five barges were typically deployed in previous years, discussions are currently underway to operate between 15 and 20 barges simultaneously. Sources present at today’s high-level review meeting added that officials also deliberated on long-term solutions to keep the Muriganga navigational channel sustainable following dredging operations.
Key infrastructure, safety, and crowd-management directives finalized during the meeting include:
• Expanded Accommodation: Authorities have identified an additional 38 acres of land outside the main fairgrounds, which are currently being developed to house pilgrims. Furthermore, a new passenger shed will be constructed at Lot No. 8.
• Fire Safety Upgrade: To prevent fire hazards and accidents, the district administration plans to discontinue traditional hogla (thatch) sheds and replace them with safer tents.
• Transit and Highway Safety: Additional lighting will be installed along National Highway 117 stretching from Diamond Harbour to Kakdwip. Police have also been directed to enforce strict checks against drunk driving along the transit routes.
• Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Officials issued a stern warning during the meeting that any form of harassment directed at pilgrims visiting the mela will not be tolerated.
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