Title - Railways to run 750 trains to meet Kumbh rush - The Times of India

ALLAHABAD: To meet the massive rush of pilgrims during Mahakumbh, railways will run 750 special trains and arrange for 800 coaches. Speaking to reporters, divisional railway manager, Allahabad division, NCR, Harendra Rao said about 14 lakhs additional pilgrims will arrive in the city through trains during Kumbh. This would be in addition to 20 lakh regular passengers who will visit the city.

The 800 additional coaches will make upto 35 rakes. Apart from 750 special trains, the existing trains will be augmented with additional coaches. Additional stoppages will be given to many long distance trains at Allahabad, Vidnhyachal and Naini station, Rao said.

NCR is also taking steps for passenger amenities. In this connection, surface improvement of platform numbers 4 and 6 have been done and stairs of foot overbridge (FOB) have been repaired. A new FOB at Smith Road has been constructed and additional booking counters, including additional circulating area covering Hathi Nala, have been provided. In addition, two new escalators would be installed at Allahabad junction

Additional approach roads leading to Civil Lines side of Allahabad junction are being provided by widening of fourth, fifth and sixth avenue of Traffic colony. The work will be completed by November 12. Six high mast for improving illumination levels at Allahabad and Naini junction have been planned.

For catering to large number of pilgrims, about nine temporary enclosures have been planned. Four temporary enclosures would be opened at city side of Allahabad railway junction while two temporary enclosures would be opened at Civil Lines side of the junction. Three temporary enclosures would be set up at Naini junction.

About 133 additional booking counters/ PRS/enquiry counters would be opened at Allahabad, Naini, Sangam and Vidhyachal. At Sangam, 10 booking counters, two reservation counters and two enquiry counters will be set up.