Prayagraj: North Central Railways (NCR) will install 64 additional Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) at Prayagraj Junction , Naini, and Prayagraj Chheoki stations to ensure a smooth and convenient experience for visitors during the Maha Kumbh . "To check overcrowding at ticket windows and ensure smooth ticket distribution during the mega religious event, NCR will install the ATVMs at these three key stations of Prayagraj," said PRO of Prayagraj Division of the NCR, Amit Kumar Singh. So far, there are 15 ATVMs in these stations.
Out of the additional 64 ATVMs, 45 will be installed at Prayagraj Junction, he said. These ATVMs will be operational 24 hours a day from Jan 11 to Feb 28, 2025. Additionally, 192 facilitators will be deployed at the ATVMs in eight-hour shifts to assist passengers.
Applications for these facilitator positions are open to the public and retired railway employees, with forms available at various booking offices and online. Furthermore, Prayagraj Junction now offers a 24/7 air-conditioned executive lounge on platform number 1, providing passengers with a comfortable waiting area like those found in airports. The lounge features reclining sofas, food and beverages, charging points for mobile phones and laptops, and other amenities.
Passengers can access these services at fixed rates, with a fee of Rs 25 for sitting in the executive lounge and Rs 109 for more comfortable chairs and reclining sofas. "Just like airports, railway passengers will also be.