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Ahead of the final 'Snan' on Maha Shivratri on February 26, the Prayagraj District administration has deployed extra forces and ensured better coordination with railway and airport authorities for better management on the last day of Maha Kumbh.
Prayagraj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar emphasised efforts to manage traffic and parking efficiently, ensuring a hassle-free experience for devotees. "Tomorrow is the last 'Snan' on Mahashivratri. We are ready with all our preparations. We deploy extra forces on the big 'Snan' days. We have good coordination with the railways and airport authorities. We have directed our officers to better management of the parking spaces so that traffic would be under control. Senior officials are deployed at all the junctions and parking spaces for better management...We have issued a traffic advisory in the morning today," he said. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways has undertaken special arrangements for Maha Shivaratri, planning to run more than 350 additional trains from Prayagraj to facilitate the return of pilgrims following the final Amrit Snan of Mahakumbh 2025 on February 26, said Indian Railway in a statement. A large congregation of devotees from across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal has gathered at the Sangam, leading to an unprecedented demand for transportation. In view of the anticipated rush, North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway, and Northern Railway have been directed to remain on high alert. Previously, on Mouni Amavasya, over 360 special trains were deployed to transport more than 20 lakh passengers safely. A similar plan has been implemented for Maha Shivaratri, with extra rakes positioned near Prayagraj for emergency use. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is personally monitoring the situation, with Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, Satish Kumar, overseeing on-ground operations. General Managers from the three railway zones are coordinating efforts to manage the surge in passengers. The Railway Minister has also instructed officials to introduce additional special trains if required. Railway officials have implemented an internal movement plan at Prayagraj Junction, ensuring that pilgrims are directed to specific shelters based on their destinations before being guided to their respective trains. In cases of overcrowding, emergency plans were activated, directing passengers to hold areas such as Khusro Bagh before being escorted safely to boarding platforms. (ANI)
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