In anticipation of a massive influx of devotees for the first major bathing festival of the Magh Mela, authorities in Prayagraj implemented extensive passenger management and safety protocols this Saturday. The occasion of Paush Purnima saw a heavy rush of pilgrims at key railway stations, prompting the Northern Railway to roll out a comprehensive plan to ensure smooth and secure travel.
Enhanced Rail Services and Round-the-Clock Monitoring
To facilitate the seamless movement of travelers, the Lucknow Division of the Northern Railway operated a total of 8 Mela Special and Ring Rail services on the day of Paush Purnima. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Kuldeep Tiwari confirmed the deployment of these additional services. For continuous oversight, the entire premises of crucial stations were kept under effective surveillance through an Integrated Command Centre (ICC), enabling real-time monitoring and swift response to any situation.
Massive Staff Deployment and Heightened Security Checks
Managing the extraordinary crowd during the Magh Mela period required significant manpower. The railways deployed 440 additional commercial staff members across major stations handling the pilgrim traffic. These key locations included Prayag Junction, Phaphamau, Varanasi, Ayodhya Cantt, and Ayodhya Dham. Security was tightened considerably, with bomb disposal squads conducting thorough sweeps of the Prayag Junction station. The checks covered platforms, waiting areas, station premises, and adjacent locations to detect any explosives, suspicious items, or unauthorized materials.
Special Assistance for Vulnerable Passengers
Beyond crowd control and security, the focus was also on passenger care. Special teams from the Civil Defence were actively present at the stations to assist travelers needing extra help. They provided guidance and physical support to elderly passengers and persons with disabilities, ensuring their safe and smooth movement within the often crowded station areas. This multi-pronged approach aimed to balance efficient crowd management with compassionate service for all devotees converging on Prayagraj for the sacred bath.
