Prayagraj: In a proactive move to strengthen railway preparedness ahead of the upcoming Magh Mela, Shri Praveen Kumar, Managing Director of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), carried out an extensive window trailing inspection of critical sections of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC). The inspection covered the New Manauri–New Durgaoti section, a strategically important stretch passing through Prayagraj and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) region.
The inspection was conducted on December 27, with the Managing Director traveling by rail car along with senior officials from DFCCIL Corporate Office, Prayagraj Unit, and DDU Unit. The visit focused on operational readiness amid dense winter fog conditions and the anticipated surge in rail traffic during one of India’s largest religious congregations.
Focus on Magh Mela Preparedness and Rail Safety
The Magh Mela, held annually in Prayagraj, attracts millions of devotees from across the country, placing immense pressure on the region’s transportation infrastructure, particularly the rail network. Recognizing the scale of operations required, Shri Praveen Kumar emphasized the need for stringent operational protocols to ensure a fine balance between freight movement efficiency and passenger convenience, in line with Railway Board directives.
Special attention was given to maintaining uninterrupted freight operations while ensuring that passenger train movements during the Mela period remain smooth and safe.
High-Level Review of Operations and Maintenance
During the inspection, Shri Kumar held detailed discussions with Chief General Managers from Prayagraj and DDU and AGM/OP&BD/EDFC. The discussions focused on –
- Optimizing train operations during peak Mela days
- Strengthening maintenance practices
- Enhancing safety measures during low-visibility fog conditions
The inspection team closely examined bridges, track infrastructure, signaling systems, and ongoing maintenance works along the corridor.
Emphasis on Vigilance Amid Fog Conditions
While expressing satisfaction with the overall infrastructure and maintenance standards, the Managing Director urged officials to adopt heightened vigilance to counter fog-related operational risks.
He stressed –
- Improved communication at stations
- Increased alertness among operational staff
- Strict adherence to safety protocols during poor visibility
These measures were highlighted as critical to avoiding disruptions and ensuring safety during the fog-prone winter months.
Coordination with North Central Railway
A coordination meeting was also held with officials of North Central Railway (NCR), including DRM/Prayagraj, to ensure seamless inter-zonal cooperation during the Magh Mela. The meeting focused on mutual support mechanisms, operational synchronization, and contingency planning for handling increased passenger volumes.
Discussion on Freight Expansion and Kavach Safety System
In addition to passenger-related arrangements, the Managing Director discussed strategies to enhance freight train operations during the Mela period. The inspection also included deliberations on the installation of Kavach, the indigenous train collision avoidance system, to further strengthen rail safety on the corridor.
A separate meeting was held with the Kavach implementation agency to review progress and analyze future deployment possibilities on DFCCIL routes.
Senior Officials Accompanying the Managing Director
Several senior officers accompanied Shri Praveen Kumar during the inspection, reflecting the importance of the visit. These included –
- Shri Sandesh Srivastava, Executive Director (Projects)
- Shri A. S. Tomar, Group General Manager (S&T)
- Shri Akhilesh Srivastava, General Manager (Electrical)
- Shri A. B. Saran, Chief General Manager (Prayagraj)
- Shri Atul Kumar, Chief General Manager (DDU)
- Shri Ashish Mishra, General Manager (Security)
- Shri Shashikant Dwivedi, General Manager (Electrical)
- Shri Mannu Prakash Dubey, AGM/OP&BD/EDFC
Senior representatives from engineering, mechanical, electrical, and signaling & telecommunication (S&T) departments were also present.
DFCCIL Poised for Efficient Magh Mela Operations
With preparations gaining momentum under the leadership of Shri Praveen Kumar and close coordination with North Central Railway, DFCCIL reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and adaptable rail services during the Magh Mela. The inspection underscored the organization’s focus on operational excellence, safety, and seamless freight-passenger coordination during one of the most demanding periods for the Indian Railways network.
About DFCCIL
The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) is a wholly-owned government company under the Ministry of Railways. It is responsible for planning, development, and operation of dedicated freight corridors across India to enhance rail freight efficiency, reduce congestion, and promote seamless logistics. DFCCIL plays a key role in India’s infrastructure growth by providing modern, high-capacity freight transportation solutions.
Read also: PESB to Interview Shortlisted Candidates for DFCCIL Director (Finance) Post on December 15
