Tight security at station; flow of passengers normal

Allahabad: The first important bathing day of Magh Mela, on Makar Sankranti on Thursday, saw normal flow of pilgrims at Allahabad junction. However, it could also be because this year Makar Sankranti is spread over two days and more passengers are expected to arrive on Friday. Security personnel have been deployed at Allahabad junction and other small stations of the city.
Railways have made arrangements of extra ticket counters on the city side of the Allahabad junction. It has opened two ticket booths but even those weren’t crowded. Tickets amounting to Rs115 only were sold from ticket booth number 3 from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm as only three passengers showed up. However, the figure crossed Rs.330 during the second half from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Ticket booth number 4 located closer to the main gate had some activity. There, tickets amounting to Rs.16,115 were sold in the first meeting from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. Railway staff point out that the expected number of passengers have not turned up on the first day and inflow of pilgrims will increase on Friday.
The two passenger enclosures constructed on the city side of Allahabad junction also wore a deserted look. Railway staff deputed for the enclosures was in place.
Meanwhile, faith coupled with excitement was writ large on the faces of people who took a dip in the Sangam and arrived at Allahabad junction to proceed to their destinations. Ashish Mehta, who had come all the way from Aligarh along with his father, said, “Though the water is cold, I was more than happy to take a dip in the holy Ganga. It was one experience I am going to cherish for the rest of my life.”
The security officials, comprising GRP and RPF personnel, were seen manning different points of the junction. They were present at all the entry and exit points, as also at the foot over-bridges and platforms.
Strict vigil is being maintained through CCTVs which have been placed at various points. Talking to TOI, CO of GRP O P Singh said security has been tightened at Allahabad junction. About 400 constables, 50 home guards, one company of PAC personnel and two inspectors have been deployed at the junction. They are being assisted by about 200 personnel of RPF and Railway protection Special Force (RPSF). Besides, anti-sabotage team and Bomb Disposal Squad are also deployed.
Pilgrims also arrived at Sangam by reaching the satellite stations of Allahabad, including Jhunsi, Prayag, Prayag Ghat, Phulpur, Bharwari, Daraganj. Additional GRP outposts have been set up at these stations for the security of the passengers.