Prayagraj Seeks Halts For 24 Non-Stop Trains At Junction
Prayagraj is pushing for a significant enhancement to its railway connectivity, with the railway administration having formally submitted a proposal to the Railway Board to provide halts for 24 non-stop trains currently bypassing the city. This move, a direct response to a long-standing public demand, aims to strengthen the city’s role as a major transport hub and ensure equitable access to the national rail network for its millions of residents. The proposal, which was recently championed by a parliamentary representative during a key consultative meeting, highlights the necessity of these stops to better serve the city’s populace and reduce the need for short, often polluting, feeder journeys to other stations.
By providing more direct travel options from a central point, this initiative aligns with the vision of creating a more sustainable and gender-neutral urban transport system, where access is not determined by location or social standing but is available to all. The urgency of the matter stems from Prayagraj’s status as a major regional centre, handling a staggering 272 trains in its network. However, a notable 24 of these trains, including some of the country’s most prestigious services, have no scheduled stop at Prayagraj Junction. The proposal forwarded to the board includes premium trains such as the Sildah–New Delhi Rajdhani Express, Ranchi–New Delhi Rajdhani Express, and New Delhi–Agartala Rajdhani Express. This is not just a matter of convenience; it is a step towards integrating a major urban centre more fully into the national infrastructure grid. The move is expected to not only boost passenger convenience but also facilitate business and cultural exchange, contributing to the city’s overall economic and social development. To manage potential congestion at the already busy Prayagraj Junction, a pragmatic suggestion was also included in the proposal: utilising the nearby Subedarganj railway station as an alternative halt for some of these services.
The decision to provide halts will be based on a thorough evaluation of operational constraints and passenger demand. The proposal’s submission follows a period of intense advocacy, with parliamentary representatives directly engaging with the Minister of Railways to press for its approval. Officials have stated that such recommendations are a crucial part of policy-making, provided they meet the established criteria for operational feasibility and public benefit. The final decision rests with the Railway Board, which will determine the most viable solution, including the specific station where each train will be permitted to stop.
For the residents of Prayagraj, this proposal is a crucial step towards realising the city’s full potential as a modern, well-connected urban centre. It underscores a commitment to balancing the need for high-speed, non-stop services with the fundamental requirement of providing accessible, efficient, and frequent public transport for the populace. The approval of this proposal would not only fulfil a decades-old demand but would also set a precedent for how railway policy can be made more responsive to the needs of individual cities, fostering a more equitable and sustainable national network.
