Prayagraj: The Prayagraj Railway Division is finalising preparations for Maha Kumbh, expecting around 10 crore devotees by train.
With one crore pilgrims anticipated at Sangam on Makar Sankranti, the division has prepared a comprehensive action plan to ensure smooth crowd management and safety at stations. The action plan includes separate entry and exit routes at stations, accommodation and ticketing arrangements to facilitate seamless travel and to avoid stampede-like situations.
To accommodate the massive crowd, the division plans to operate around 13,000 trains, including 3,000 special trains dedicated to the fair. Detailed entry and exit plans have been formulated for key stations within the division during the royal bathing days leading up to Maha Kumbh.
Public Relations Officer Amit Singh said, "At Prayagraj Junction, entry will be allowed only from the city side at Platform number 1, while exits will be through the Civil Lines side. Unreserved passengers will be guided to designated platforms via temporary shelters based on their destinations, while reserved passengers can enter through Gate number 5 on the city side."
He said, "Similar arrangements are in place at other stations. At Naini Junction, entry will be allowed only from Station Road, with exits via the goods shed side. At Prayagraj Chheoki, entry will be through COD Road connecting the Prayagraj-Mirzapur highway, with exits via GEC Naini Road. Phaphamau Station will have entry through the second entrance at Platform number 4, while exits will lead to Phaphamau Market. At Subedarganj Station, entry will be from Jhalwa, Kaushambi Road, and exits from GT Road. For Prayagraj Rambagh Station, entry will be via the main entrance near Hanuman Mandir Chauraha, with exits through Louder Road."
On January 14, specific arrangements will be enforced at Prayagraj Junction, where entry from Chatham Line (Platform number 1) and exits through Rampriya Road (Platform number 4) will be in place.
Reserved passengers will have exclusive access via the second entrance on Sahason Road. These meticulous plans aim to ensure devotees a safe and hassle-free experience during this grand event.