Railway authorities in Prayagraj are taking proactive steps ahead of the massive Magh Mela 2026. They want to ensure smooth operations and safety for the expected surge of pilgrims.
Detailed Station Inspection Conducted
On Wednesday, Additional Divisional Railway Manager Shoorvir Singh led a comprehensive inspection. The team visited both Prayag and Phaphamau railway stations. Their goal was clear: assess and improve all arrangements before the major bathing rituals begin.
Key Areas Under Scrutiny
Officials examined multiple critical aspects of station operations. They looked closely at:
- Passenger amenities and holding areas
- Entry and exit routes for crowd flow
- Additional ticket counters and the mobile unreserved ticketing system
- Platform conditions and lighting arrangements
- Catering stalls and food van facilities
- Overall cleanliness and maintenance
Special attention went to emergency preparedness. The inspection team checked medical facilities and emergency response mechanisms. They also evaluated the Integrated Command Centre's functioning. Public address systems and guidance signboards received thorough review.
Specific Instructions for Staff
ADRM Singh gave clear directions to railway officials. He emphasized continuous monitoring of all arrangements. The priority is ensuring pilgrims face no inconvenience during peak crowd hours.
Vulnerable passengers received particular focus. Officials must provide prioritized assistance to:
- Senior citizens
- Women traveling alone or with families
- Children
- Divyang (differently-abled) passengers
Enhanced Staff Deployment
Northern Railway's Lucknow Division is deploying extra personnel. They have assigned 278 additional commercial staff and Railway Protection Force members. These personnel will work at key stations across the region.
The stations receiving enhanced staffing include:
- Prayagraj Junction
- Phaphamau
- Varanasi
- Ayodhya Cantt
- Ayodhya Dham
Coordination Meeting Held
A significant meeting took place at the Integrated Command Centre in Prayagraj. Railway officials joined representatives from civil and police administrations. Together, they discussed comprehensive plans for the mela period.
Discussion topics covered multiple critical areas:
- Effective crowd management strategies
- Traffic regulation around stations
- Emergency preparedness protocols
- Medical support availability
- Efficient information sharing systems
The railway administration appears determined to handle the anticipated pilgrim rush efficiently. Their preparations aim to create a safe and comfortable travel experience for all visitors to Magh Mela 2026.
