Patna, Feb 18 (IANS): In response to the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, East Central Railway (ECR) has implemented measures to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims travelling to Prayagraj Maha Kumbh from Gaya Railway Junction.

ECR has decided a dedicated Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Special Train will now depart from Gaya at regular intervals to accommodate a large number of pilgrims.

According to station manager Vinod Kumar, the special train will halt at Aurangabad, Dehri, Sasaram, Bhabua, Chandauli, Deendayal Upadhyay, Chunar, Mirzapur, Vindhyachal, Manda, Meja, Naini, and Prayagraj railway station.

He said that over 100 new CCTV cameras are being installed at Gaya Junction to monitor crowd movement and enhance security. He also said that a dedicated control room is operational at Gaya railway station until February 28 to oversee safety and crowd management.

“We have urged pilgrims to board trains in an organised queue. We also have a high-level meeting under the chairmanship of Gaya DM Tyagarajan SM on Sunday night and he has appointed Gaya City SP Ramanand Kumar Kaushal as Senior Nodal Officer for monitoring and managing the crowd,” Kumar said.

Gaya DM Tyagarajan SM and SSP Anand Kumar conducted inspections of all platforms, held meetings with railway, GRP, and RPF officials, and issued necessary crowd control directives on Monday.

In Patna district, Danapur DRM has written a letter to Patna district magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh and urged him to provide adequate security forces at the major railway stations.

Following the letter, Patna district administration has increased police and magistrate deployment at Patna Junction, Danapur, and Rajendra Nagar Terminal and Patliputra Junction.

The Patna district administration has also reinforced security at Mahavir Temple and Karbighiya Gate entrances at Patna Junction.

Following the Delhi stampede, railway authorities and district administrations are on high alert, ensuring a safe and smooth travel experience for all Maha Kumbh pilgrims.