Northern Railway Implements Robust Medical Infrastructure for Magh Mela 2026 Pilgrims
In preparation for the massive influx of devotees during the Magh Mela 2026, the Lucknow Division of Northern Railway has rolled out an extensive network of medical facilities across crucial railway stations in the Prayagraj region. This proactive initiative aims to safeguard the health, safety, and convenience of lakhs of pilgrims embarking on their spiritual journey.
Strategic Medical Booths and Emergency Response Systems
To manage the anticipated heavy passenger footfall, primary medical aid booths have been strategically established at four major railway hubs: Prayag Junction, Phaphamau Junction, Varanasi Junction, and Ayodhya Dham stations. At Prayag Junction, a dedicated four-bed Mela medical centre has been set up on the first entry side, serving as a central point for healthcare services.
For emergency situations, the railway authorities have deployed a fleet of ambulances, with two stationed at Prayag Junction and one at Phaphamau Junction. These vehicles are on standby to provide swift transportation for critical cases, ensuring timely medical intervention when needed.
24x7 Medical Personnel and Operational Timeline
Trained medical personnel have been deployed on a round-the-clock basis at major stations under the Lucknow Division. Their presence ensures that immediate medical assistance is available to pilgrims and passengers at all hours. All medical facilities remain operational from the first day before each major bathing festival until the second day after, effectively covering peak rush periods.
This continuous operation is designed to handle the surge in health-related issues that typically accompany large-scale religious gatherings, providing uninterrupted care throughout the Mela duration.
Impact and Statistics of Medical Services
During the ongoing Magh Mela period, medical services have already been extended to 1,842 pilgrims and passengers. The majority of these cases involved minor injuries, fatigue, cold, cough, and other common health issues, highlighting the importance of accessible on-site healthcare.
Notably, the Mela medical centre at Prayag Junction alone has provided primary treatment to 1,330 pilgrims. In more serious instances, 20 patients received emergency medical care, with five of them being referred to higher medical institutions for specialised treatment. This tiered approach ensures that all health concerns are addressed appropriately, from routine ailments to critical conditions.
Supervision and Accessibility Measures
The entire medical arrangement is being implemented under the vigilant supervision of Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Sunil Kumar Verma of the Lucknow Division. His leadership ensures that the facilities are efficiently managed and responsive to the needs of the pilgrims.
To enhance accessibility, first-aid booths have been set up at various platform areas, making basic medical aid readily available. Information about these services is widely disseminated through:
- Clear and visible signboards
- Regular public announcements
- Active guidance from railway staff
These measures ensure that passengers are well-informed and can easily locate medical assistance when required, contributing to a smoother and safer pilgrimage experience.
The comprehensive medical infrastructure deployed by Northern Railway reflects a commitment to public health and safety, setting a benchmark for managing large-scale religious events in India. By addressing both preventive and emergency healthcare needs, the initiative supports the well-being of countless devotees participating in the Magh Mela 2026.
