To manage the crowds on shahi snan (bathing) days, particularly on Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami, the railways will deploy experienced personnel to guide and counsel relatively newly recruited staff.
There are over 30-40 experienced staff members in Northern, Northeastern, and North Central Railway zones who have expertise in crowd management since the 2007 Ardh Kumbh, 2013 Kumbh, and 2019 Ardh Kumbh, as well as last year’s Ayodhya Ram temple consecration ceremony.
The railway anticipates a passenger movement of over 1.45 crore, primarily via Phaphamau, Prayag Junction, Prayagraj Junction, Naini Junction, Prayagraj Chheoki, Jhunsi and Subedarganj.
Speaking to TOI, DRM Lucknow division NR Sachinder Mohan Sharma said, “It would be a colossal gathering in Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh. Therefore, approximately 3,600 railway staff from across the country, including commercial, RPF, operations, and other departments, have been summoned for crowd management and seamless train operations. These staff will work under the guidance and counsel of experienced personnel who have already served during previous Kumbh and even the Ayodhya Ram temple consecration ceremony rush. Their input will be invaluable.”
Around 10,000–15,000 passengers will be present at any given time on the station’s platforms on Shahi Snan Day. A few months back, the NCR Prayagraj division had conducted a session of seasoned personnel who shared their experience and expertise with the railway staff who would handle the enormous crowd for the first time.
Amit Malviya, the senior officer in the PRO cell of NCR zone, who had served in crowd management from the commercial department during 2007 Ardh Kumbh, 2013 Kumbh, 2019 Ardh Kumbh said, “The paramount challenge for railways would be when the pilgrims after taking scan would return in the evening hours. Those are nerve-wracking moments. A multitude of crowds would reach the platforms and those need to be regulated efficiently. Every pilgrim would want to return home as soon as possible due to the temperature falling in the evening.”
