Passengers on spl S’mogga-Prayagraj train face hardship

Shivamogga: A special train from Shivamogga to Prayagraj for the devotees to participate in the Kumbha Mela on Feb 22 encountered many issues. Passengers said they faced hardships owing to insufficient food and a substantial six-hour delay in arrival.
The train, meant to reach at 11.45am on Monday, arrived in the evening. This delay particularly affected travellers, as the 14-kilometre stretch between Prayagraj railway station and Triveni Sangam remains inaccessible during night hours. This situation affected numerous travellers, primarily from Shivamogga district.
Passengers sent video messages to Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra, highlighting their struggles with unavailability of food and insufficient station stops for food procurement. Some considerate passengers shared their provisions with elderly travellers. They stated that the MP, who organised the special service, should have ensured proper food availability. The MP flagged off the train's departure from Shivamogga railway station on Feb 22.
The return journey is scheduled from Prayagraj junction at 5.40pm on Feb 25. Devotees requested the MP for a day's rescheduling, concerned about missing the train after their holy bath at Sangam. When contacted, Raghavendra confirmed contacting railway authorities seeking a one-day extension of the departure of the special train.
Meanwhile, Srinivas, a 71-year-old yoga expert from Shivamogga, suffered cardiac arrest at Indi Taluk Hospital while returning with other companions. They departed Shivamogga for Prayagraj on Feb 14.