'Sleeping Pods' to Debut at Prayagraj for Magh Mela Visitors

In preparation for the upcoming Magh Mela, set to commence on January 14 next year, the Prayagraj administration is dedicated to providing top-notch facilities for arriving visitors. Concurrently, the North Central Railways (NCR) is gearing up to launch 60 sleeping pods at the Prayagraj railway junction to accommodate the expected surge of pilgrims participating in the Magh Mela celebrations.

According to informed officials, these compact and cost-effective pods are designed to offer a comfortable lodging experience for pilgrims. Measuring eight feet in length and six feet in width, each pod will be available for booking through a flexi-fare system, with costs ranging from INR 500 to INR 1,500 for a 12-hour period. The 'sleeping pod' hotel, situated in the old booking office on the Civil Lines side of Prayagraj Junction near the old dismantled footover bridge, will also feature its own cafeteria.

The aim is to have these pods operational before the inaugural Magh Mela bathing festival on Makar Sankranti (January 15), marking the start of the 54-day fair. The NCR's Prayagraj Division awarded the 'sleeping pod' hotel project to a Pune-based company after a tender for installation was floated a few months ago.

Amit Singh, spokesperson for NCR's Prayagraj Division, expressed optimism about launching this facility at Prayagraj Junction by Makar Sankranti.

Reports indicate that the sleeping pods, resembling capsule-sized rooms, will be equipped with modern amenities such as phone charging, Wi-Fi, locker rooms, and bathrooms. The 60 sleeping pods include 45 for single occupants, 10 for double occupants, and five for small families, with an additional 10 pods exclusively reserved for women passengers.