Title - Vindhyachal junction to be upgraded

ALLAHABAD: In yet another step to spruce up the Allahabad junction for Mahakumbh, the North Central Railway administration is undertaking steps to develop the adjacent railway stations in the area. For this, the NCR administration is providing facilities at the Vindhyachal station which sees thronging of pilgrims during the Mahakumbh.

Though Allahabad sees surging of humanity on the twin banks of the Ganga and Yamuna during Mahakumbh, pilgrims returning from this place also visit Vindhyachal to seek blessings of Vindhyavasini. Vindhyachal is located at a distance of about 80 kilometres from Allahabad.

For catering large number of pilgrims who would throng Vindhyachal during the Mahakumbh, railway administration has undertaken numerous steps. In this context, about four additional booking counters would be opened so that pilgrims do not face any problem in getting train tickets. One extra enquiry counter would also be opened at the Vindhyachal station so that passengers can be given latest information about the arrival/ departure of the various trains.

One additional luggage cloak room would also be opened at the Vindhyachal station so that passengers can keep their luggage at this place and can visit the temple of Vindhyavasini to seek divine blessings. Installation of an additional and large train Display Board is also being planned so that passengers can be provided the updated information about the arrival/departure of the train.

To upgrade the security apparatus at the Vindhyachal station, CCTVs would be installed at the different locations of the Vindhyachal station including circulating area and parking stands. Suspicious activities of trouble makers would be monitored through the CCTV so that suitable action can be taken against them.

Besides the existing number of toilets, about four additional toilets and four urinals would also be constructed. About 10 additional taps would also be installed for the pilgrims coming to Vindhyachal.

For helping and guiding the pilgrims arriving at the station, one additional Scout and Guide Hut would also be set up at the station. The volunteers of Scouts and Guides would perform their duties continuously and guide the passengers and also offer help to them. They would also be equipped with First Aid Box to provide medical aid to the pilgrims at the station.

There would also be provision of additional public address system so that announcements can be made frequently about the latest positions of different trains.

Talking to TOI, chief public relations officer of NCR Sandeep Mathur said that as most pilgrims coming to Allahabad during Mahakumbh also visit Vindhyachal, we have planned many passenger amenities at this place. All the facilities would be operational from the start of the Mahakumbh.