Prayagraj, July 6 -- Efforts are gaining momentum to transform Chheoki into a full-fledged terminal railway station in Prayagraj ahead of the Kumbh Mela in 2031. The massive rush witnessed at Chheoki during the Mahakumbh in 2025 has prompted Indian Railways to fast-track development plans, officials said. A detailed proposal outlining Chheoki's upgrade has already been prepared and submitted to the Railway Board. The aim is to ease the load on the heavily burdened Prayagraj Junction. According to Himanshu Shukla, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) of North Central Railway, the goal is to complete the terminal's development well ahead of the 2031 event. The proposed terminal will feature several modern amenities, including ten platforms with electronic display boards, a spacious waiting area, additional foot overbridges, passenger sheds, retiring rooms, and a food plaza-ensuring greater comfort for travelers, Shukla added. Once upgraded, major trains bound for Mumbai will originate from Chheoki. This shift is expected to significantly ease the burden on Prayagraj Junction and provide relief to the large number of passengers traveling between Prayagraj and Mumbai. As part of the upgrade, Chheoki's infrastructure will be expanded. The station currently has six platforms, and plans are in place to increase this number to eight. Two new platforms have already been approved, while proposals for two additional platforms are under review by the Railway Board. In parallel, a third railway line between Prayagraj and Mumbai has also been approved, which will help streamline operations and accommodate special trains during Kumbh Mela 2031. With these developments, Chheoki is poised to emerge as a key railway hub in Prayagraj, easing congestion at the main station and playing a vital role during the next Kumbh, officials said...