North Eastern Railway Enhances Medical Facilities for Pilgrims During Maha Kumbh
The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj approaches, the North Eastern Railway (NER) has made significant upgrades to its medical infrastructure, ensuring pilgrims visiting the sacred event receive timely and effective medical attention in case of emergencies. Special arrangements have been made at Prayagraj’s Rambagh and Jhusi stations, where observation rooms and 24/7 medical facilities will be available for devotees attending the mega event.
Ashok Kumar, spokesperson for the Varanasi division of NER, confirmed that the railway stations will feature dedicated observation rooms manned by qualified medical staff, including doctors and paramedics, to provide immediate care. These facilities are designed to cater to a large number of pilgrims, who typically face exhaustion, injuries, or health issues while attending the religious gathering. During the last Maha Kumbh, the railways provided first aid to around 100,000 pilgrims. This year, however, the railway department is preparing to expand its services, anticipating an even greater influx of devotees. The observation rooms will be equipped with essential medical equipment, including ECG machines, oxygen cylinders, defibrillators, glucometers, nebulizers, and other necessary tools for emergency care.
“The observation rooms will be operational around the clock, ensuring that no pilgrim has to wait for medical help in case of an emergency,” said Kumar. “Injured or ill pilgrims will receive first aid on-site, and more serious cases will be referred to the nearest hospitals with the help of dedicated ambulance services.” To further improve services, the medical team will consist of 12 doctors, 18 staff nurses, 18 pharmacists, and 48 hospital attendants, ensuring seamless medical care throughout all shifts, each lasting 8 hours. The pharmaceutical staff will manage the medicine supply, ensuring that the observation rooms remain stocked and that all medical records are accurately maintained.
In the event of an emergency, the medical coordinator will be immediately notified, and a daily shift report will be compiled for efficient monitoring. The railway is also coordinating with local hospitals and health centres to ensure that patients who need specialised care are quickly referred. For local residents and pilgrims alike, the railway’s enhanced medical provisions have been met with widespread appreciation. Many feel that these measures will significantly improve safety and comfort for the millions expected to visit Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh. “Knowing that there will be trained medical professionals available gives us peace of mind,” said Rajesh Kumar, a local resident. “It’s reassuring to know that if someone falls ill or gets injured during the festivities, help will be readily available.”
However, some also hope that the medical staff will be easily identifiable and that the services will be consistently efficient, given the massive crowds. “It will be important to make sure the medical facilities are accessible to everyone, especially with the large number of people expected. Clear signage and communication are essential,” said Priya Sharma, a pilgrim from Varanasi. With plans to enhance medical services further and a clear commitment to ensuring the well-being of attendees, the North Eastern Railway’s efforts are widely seen as a positive step toward making the Maha Kumbh a safer and more comfortable experience for all.
