Nagpur, Oct 19 In view of Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din celebrations that began on Monday, Central Railway has made extensive arrangements at Nagpur and Ajni stations to facilitate the safe and smooth movement of devotees, officials said.
Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din marks the conversion of social reformer and jurist Babasaheb Ambedkar to Buddhism along with lakhs of supporters at Deekshabhoomi here on October 14, 1956.
In a release, CR said 2.5 lakh additional passengers are expected at Nagpur and Ajni stations for the four-day event culminating on October 22, due to which 26 special train services will be operated.
“In addition, 14 trains have been given temporary halt at Ajni station from October 19 to 22. Special arrangements have been made for crowd management, ticketing, passenger assistance, medical services, cleanliness and security to ensure a safe and convenient travel experience,” it said.
To regulate passenger movement and prevent overcrowding at railway stations, a holding area is being set up on the eastern side of Nagpur station in the Santra Market area as well as one in the parking area at Ajni station, the release added.
“Both holding areas will be equipped with lighting, fans, mobile toilets and seating facilities for the convenience of passengers. Car parking facilities at Nagpur and Ajni stations will remain completely closed during this period,” it said.
Five additional Mobile Unreserved Ticketing System (MUTS) facilities will be provided at Nagpur station along with MUTS facilities in the holding areas at Nagpur and Ajni stations, CR said.
“Additional ticket-checking staff will be deployed to assist passengers and regulate movement. In addition, a dedicated Passenger Assistance Centre has been established at the Deekshabhoomi premises for the convenience of devotees. The centre will provide information regarding special trains and facilitate the issuance of tickets to passengers,” it said.
Adequate supplies of safe drinking water will be ensured at the stations, along with additional arrangements for chilled drinking water, officials said.
To keep passengers informed about special train timings, halts, operational changes and movement restrictions, more than 100 banners and 25 large hoardings have been installed at strategic locations across Nagpur, they said.
(PTI News)
