Airport model for Allahabad station on 5 Kumbh snans

ALLAHABAD: In a bid to prevent a repeat of the stampede during 2013 Maha Kumbh, the North Central Railways (NCR) has decided that no one without a reserved ticket will be allowed beyond the entry point of Allahabad Junction for four days around the major bathing days to prevent overcrowding.
The major bathing days would be Makar Sankranti (January 15), Mauni Amavasya (February 4), Basant Panchami (February 10), Maghi Purnima (February 19) and Maha Shivratri (March 5).
The four days include a day prior to bathing day, the auspicious day of bathing and two days after it.
On February 10, 2013, the day of Mauni Amavasya, 36 people were killed and 39 injured in a stampede after a footbridge railing collapsed at the junction.
NCR has also decided to suspend the sale of platform tickets on these days to prevent unnecessary crowding on platforms since very heavy footfalls are expected during Kumbh.
Besides, all entrances of Allahabad Junction from Civil Lines side will be closed. The gate will only be open for exit on these days. On other days, the designated entrances on this side will be open.
“It would be something like the system we see at airports. All passengers coming to board train would be allowed entry from gate number 5 on city side (Leader road) and only passengers having reserved ticket will be allowed beyond entry point,” said NCR general manager Rajiv Chaudhry.
“We are extremely sensitive to the needs of the old, infirm and differently-abled passengers and have hence decided to give an extra stoppage at Subedarganj station to trains originating at Allahabad Junction. Such pasengers will have the option to board from Subedarganj, where their attendants will be allowed to accompany them to help them board,” said Chaudhry.
A new platform has been constructed at Subedarganj station for this with an access from Kaushambi road, he added.
“This will be done to enable those who are vehicle-bound or old or differently-abled since strict access control measures will be in place at Allahabad Junction,” the GM said.
Licenced porters (Coolies) will be there at Subedarganj station to help passengers board trains, he added.
Those passengers who wish to travel by regular trains (non-Mela specials) on unreserved tickets can approach a special booth.