Railways to Remove 21 Level Crossings in Prayagraj Ahead of Kumbh

18 Dec 2024 CW Team

As part of this project, approximately Rs 4.50 billion are being invested. Tripathi explained that 15 of the 21 gates have already been completed, with the remaining set to be operational by December. He noted that the level-crossing gates often impede both train and road traffic, a challenge that becomes more acute with the influx of devotees during the Kumbh.

The removal of these gates is expected to alleviate traffic bottlenecks and improve overall safety. Highlighting the initiative, Tripathi stated that the Railways had planned the elimination of all level-crossing gates in Prayagraj to ensure seamless movement of vehicles and trains during the event.

This effort is part of broader preparations for the Maha Kumbh, a religious gathering that attracts millions of pilgrims. Alongside infrastructure improvements, the Uttar Pradesh government has deployed 350 shuttle buses to facilitate smooth travel for visitors during the event, scheduled to begin on January 13, 2025.

A team of 22 officers, led by Service Manager Moradabad Anurag Yadav, has been designated to oversee the system’s efficiency and operations during the event. Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Singh announced that Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been stationed on seven routes to handle emergencies.

Additionally, the Transport Corporation will operate a toll-free number (1800 1802 877) and a WhatsApp helpline (9415049606) around the clock to assist devotees throughout the event.

In preparation for the Maha Kumbh, the North Central Railway is undertaking significant infrastructure upgrades in Prayagraj to facilitate smoother traffic flow. Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Shashi Kant Tripathi revealed that the Indian Railways is eliminating 21 level-crossing gates in the city, an initiative aimed at reducing congestion and ensuring efficient movement of road and rail traffic. As part of this project, approximately Rs 4.50 billion are being invested. Tripathi explained that 15 of the 21 gates have already been completed, with the remaining set to be operational by December. He noted that the level-crossing gates often impede both train and road traffic, a challenge that becomes more acute with the influx of devotees during the Kumbh. The removal of these gates is expected to alleviate traffic bottlenecks and improve overall safety. Highlighting the initiative, Tripathi stated that the Railways had planned the elimination of all level-crossing gates in Prayagraj to ensure seamless movement of vehicles and trains during the event. This effort is part of broader preparations for the Maha Kumbh, a religious gathering that attracts millions of pilgrims. Alongside infrastructure improvements, the Uttar Pradesh government has deployed 350 shuttle buses to facilitate smooth travel for visitors during the event, scheduled to begin on January 13, 2025. A team of 22 officers, led by Service Manager Moradabad Anurag Yadav, has been designated to oversee the system’s efficiency and operations during the event. Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Singh announced that Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been stationed on seven routes to handle emergencies. Additionally, the Transport Corporation will operate a toll-free number (1800 1802 877) and a WhatsApp helpline (9415049606) around the clock to assist devotees throughout the event.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Building Material

13 Oct 2025

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

UPI Crosses 500 Million Users, Fuels MSME and Digital Growth

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a new milestone, surpassing 500 million consumers and 65 million merchants across India. The platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has expanded its reach to nearly 99 percent of the country’s pin codes, underlining its deep penetration into both urban and rural markets. According to a report by NPCI and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, UPI has evolved from being a digital payments mechanism into a key enabler of financial inclusion and small business growth. I..