Prayagraj: After six years of planning, the work on two new platforms at Prayagraj Junction has finally begun. The development is expected to significantly enhance the station’s handling capacity while paving the way for key components of the ongoing station redevelopment project.Authorities of Prayagraj division of North Central Railway (NCR) have started land levelling work for the new platforms between the existing platforms 7-8 and 9-10. The platforms will come up on the alignment of the erstwhile tracks 14 and 15, which were permanently removed following the recently completed yard remodeling. With the removal of these lines, the number of tracks at the station has come down from 27 to 25.The construction of the new platforms is also expected to remove a major hurdle in the redevelopment of Prayagraj Junction. The long-awaited station concourse, which had remained pending due to space constraints, can now be taken up as pillars required for the structure will be built on the newly created platform area. Once completed, the station will have 12 platforms, strengthening its capacity to handle increasing passenger and train traffic in the coming years.In another major boost to railway operations, Prayagraj Junction has also commissioned dedicated pit lines and washing lines capable of handling 24-coach trains. The new facilities will enable comprehensive maintenance and cleaning of long-distance trains within the station itself.A pit line is a specialised track with an inspection pit beneath it, allowing railway staff to carry out detailed examination of wheels, brake systems and pipelines. The washing line, meanwhile, is used for thorough interior and exterior cleaning of coaches before they are put into service again.The upgraded facilities will eliminate the need to send 24-coach trains to other stations for maintenance and washing, reducing turnaround time, improving operational efficiency and ensuring better upkeep of trains originating from or passing through Prayagraj Junction.
