Pilgrims throng city rail stations on way back

ALLAHABAD: Strict crowd control measures were enforced at the Allahabad railway junction on the day of Maghi Poornima on Tuesday as lakhs of devotees returned to their destinations after taking dip at the holy Sangam, confluence of Ganga, Yaumuna and Saraswati. However, regular passengers had to face problems as entry of passengers was banned from Civil Lines side and they were allowed entry only from the city side of the junction.
Security personnel comprising of RPF and GRP were deployed at various points of Allahabad railway junction to streamline the movement of pilgrims. In addition, passengers also returned to their destinations from the small stations of Naini,Prayag, Rambagh, Daraganj, Jhunsi and Prayag Ghat station.
Talking to TOI, GRP DySP O P Singh said, “The crowd of devotees is gradually coming towards Allahabad junction and other small stations to return to their destinations. Security personnel are present at all the entry points, exits points, platforms, foot over-bridges and are guiding the pilgrims through the allotted way. Strict vigil is being maintained on the activities of suspicious persons.”
Personnel of RPSF have also been deployed for providing security to the passengers. Two companies of RPSF comprising more than 50 personnel have been deployed at the Allahabad and Naini stations for augmenting security.
Several Mela special trains were plied on the occasion of Maghi Purnima. One special train was plied from Allahabad to Manikpur while another special train plied from Chopan to Allahabad. One special train plied between Allahabad and Chunar and another between Mughalsarai and Allahabad.
In addition to this, extra coaches were also attached in the trains including Allahabad-Faizabad Saryu Express, Mughalsarai-Faizabad Passenger, Allahabad-Unchahar Kanpur Passenger and Chunar-Allahabad Passenger.