Planning body looks at other options to ferry pilgrims

Nashik: The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) is looking for alternative routes to safely ferry pilgrims in busesfrom Devlali and Odha railway stations to Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.The body and officials of various govt agencies visited Kasbe Sukene, Kherwadi, Odha and Devlali railway stations for on-ground assessments about the existing facilities to ensure smooth arrangments for pilgrims."While the movement of pilgrims and buses at Kasbe Sukene and Kherwadi stations is not much an issue, the authority is mulling over ways for the movement of buses from Odha and Devlali stations to Nashik and Trimbakeshwar and back," said a senior officer with NTKMA.Piligrims coming by trains to Odha will be transported to Trimbakeshwar in a pre-decided route. But others who want to go Nashik, will be diverted to the ghat at Odha village. "The movement of the buses between the station and Odha village is a bit tricky and we are working on it," the officer said.Similarly, in case of Devlali station, the buses from Devlali to Nashik and those to Trimbakeshwar are likely to saturate the Lam Road connecting Nashik Road and Devlali station. "We are in talks with the defence establishment. We are working out ways that will help us to decongest the road. During the next round of discussions, the feasibility of the solutions will be worked out," said the officer.