AMARAVATI: South Central Railway has made elaborate arrangements to handle extra rush of pilgrim traffic during Krishna Pushkaralu, said general manager, South Central Railway, Ravindra Gupta, at a press conference at Vijayawada on Wednesday. He launched an exclusive Weblink in SCR’s Website- www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in highlighting Kris-hna Pushkaralu train services on the occasion.
He stated that 13 railway stations in the zone are expected to see an influx of pilgrim traffic and all necessary arrangements have been put in place at these stations. He informed that an exclusive round-the-clock control office for Krishna Pushkaralu has been set up at Vijayawada railway station, headed by senior commercial & security officials who will monitor and take on the spot measures to handle any rail-related needs.
In all, 2,000 additional railway personnel have been deputed for temporary duty during Krishna Pushkaralu, including 1,250 Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and 450 commercial staff. In addition, 600 contract staff have been deployed to handle cleanliness work. Moreover, 626 special trains, which include 146 reserved and 480 unreserved trains are being run by the SCR between various destinations to cater to the requirements of pilgrim traffic.
In addition, temporary stoppages have been provided for 93 trains at nine identified stations and 2,000 additional coaches are being attached by various regular trains during the Pushkaralu, Mr Ravindra Gupta stated. He informed that several temporary and permanent passenger amenities have been undertaken at a cost of '35 crore. In addition to the existing infrastructure in place, 30,000 Sq.mts of additional shelter has been built for the pilgrims.
Amongst the other arrangements in place are -107 booking counters and 34 automatic ticket vending machines (ATVM) besides booking counters at three Pushkarnagars for quick dispensing of tickets; 25 enquiry terminals apart from counters at three Pushkar ghats at Vijayawada; 69 catering outlets; 903 additional drinking water troughs, 69 wheelchairs and 488 toilets.
Arrangements have also been made to handle security by installing additional surveillance cameras; providing ambulance and doctor on call; public address system for making announcements; requisitioning services of scouts and guides and other voluntary organisations. The general manager also spoke of the preparedness of the SCR to handle any sudden rise of traffic by means of keeping spare train rakes ready and expressed confidence that the public expectations will be fully met.
