Prayagraj: With an eye on handling the unprecedented rush expected during Kumbh 2031, Railways has begun work on a major infrastructure plan to transform Prayagraj Chheoki railway station into one of the country’s key railway connectivity hubs. The ambitious project aims to significantly enhance the station’s capacity and improve rail connectivity for crores of pilgrims and passengers arriving from western, central and southern India.As part of the master plan, the station yard will be remodelled and two new high-level platforms—platform Nos. 5 and 6—will be constructed, taking the total number of platforms at the station from four to six. The new platforms will be directly connected to the third railway line being laid up to Manikpur, enabling smoother movement of trains coming from and heading towards Mumbai and Jabalpur without operational bottlenecks.The project is also expected to benefit trains originating from or bound for southern India, many of which will operate through the newly built platforms. Located on the busy Howrah-Delhi main line, Prayagraj Chheoki is the city’s second-largest railway station after Prayagraj Junction and is expected to play a pivotal role in dispersing passenger traffic during the grand religious congregation.The upgraded station will provide pilgrims with easier access to the Arail side of the Sangam area, allowing them to reach the bathing ghats directly while also facilitating a smoother return journey. Railway officials believe the enhanced connectivity will substantially ease congestion at Prayagraj Junction during the month-long event.The addition of two platforms will also create capacity for operating more trains on the route and provide opportunities for additional halts for several important long-distance services, benefiting regular passengers even after Kumbh 2031.According to Prayagraj Division Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) Deepak Kumar, the construction of the two new platforms is being undertaken with preparations for Kumbh 2031 as the central objective. He said the project is aimed at strengthening crowd management, increasing operational efficiency and ensuring uninterrupted train movement during Kumbh.Railways has set a target of completing the associated bridge and connectivity works within a year. Once completed, the infrastructure upgrade is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring seamless passenger movement and faster train operations during Kumbh 2031 while leaving behind a long-term transport asset for the region.
