Pilgrims throng rail station on way back home

Allahabad: A large number of pilgrims thronged the Allahabad junction and other stations after taking holy dip at Sangam on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Friday on their way back home. Elaborate security arrangements were made at the junction and other stations for ensuring smooth transit and security to the passengers. Medical aid was also provided to the ailing passengers at the junction.
There was also crowding at ticket booth number 4 located at the main gate of Allahabad junction which was larger when compared with the figure of Thursday. Tickets worth Rs.59,945 was sold to about 632 pilgrims in the first shift commencing from 6:00 am and continuing till 2:00 pm. At the first counter, ticket worth Rs.15,100 was sold to about 172 passengers. However, at the second counter, 190 pilgrims purchased tickets worth Rs.15,145 while at the third counter about 270 pilgrims purchased tickets worth Rs.29,700.
First Aid counters have been opened at the numerous platforms of the Allahabad junction. Pilgrims who were facing medical problems were treated at the junction and medicines were provided. About 157 pilgrims were examined at RMS Medical counter on the city side of junction and about 300 pilgrims were examined on platform number 1. The pilgrims generally complained of fever, headache, cough and cold related problems.
There was also tight security at the Allahabad junction. Personnel of Railway Protection Force (RPF), Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF), Government Railway Police ( GRP) and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) were deployed at different entry and exit points at the station. Personnel were also deployed at various platforms, parking stand, PRS and UTS counters, FOB ( Foot Over Bridges) and other places.
Talking to TOI, Circle Officer of GRP O P Singh said, “There is normal flow of passengers on the second day. We have deployed our security personnel at different points of the stations and are also in regular co-ordination with the civil police to manage the flow of pilgrims.”
Noticeable crowding was also seen at the satellite stations of Allahabad including Rambagh, Daraganj, Prayag, Prayag Ghat, Phaphamau, Jhunsi and Naini stations.