Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 6 (ANI): Northern Railway, Lucknow Division has taken a new initiative for the protection and healthcare of tourists and rail passengers visiting Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh 2025 which is scheduled to begin from January 13. "Dawadost" medicine shop would be provided at Prayag Junction and Prayagraj Sangam stations. Northern Railway, Lucknow Division said, "Essential medicines will be available at these shops at discounted rates for tourists and rail passengers visiting Prayag during Maha Kumbh. Under this, the facility of "Dawadost" medicine shop has been started at Prayag Junction and Prayagraj Sangam stations of the division. Essential medicines will be available at discounted rates up to 80 percent at these medicine shops."Northern Railway, Lucknow Division said that these shops will prove to be very beneficial in case of illness of any railway passenger or pilgrim."In case of illness, the passengers will not have to go anywhere else and they will get the medicines they need at the station itself at affordable prices. Under passenger service, a meaningful effort has been made by the division towards providing them with the best quality medical facilities, which will benefit innumerable passengers," Northern Railway, Lucknow Division said.As Prayagraj gears up to welcome thousands of devotees, seers and sages for the Maha Kumbh Mela, the local resorts have decided to focus on the eco-friendly aspects by opting Bamboo Cottages for accommodations.Alarkpuri Resort is one such standout attraction which has introduced bamboo cottages crafted from Assam's Murli bamboo, blending tradition with modern amenities.The resort's operational manager, Aditya Singh, emphasized the importance of sustainability, urging guests to support the "Zero Waste" and "Green Kumbh" initiatives by avoiding the use of plastics.Speaking about this initiative with ANI, Aditya Singh highlighted the need to create bamboo accommodation because of the flooding issue in Prayagraj."All the structures in Prayagraj get flooded every year and collapses. Because of this reason, we thought about building a permanent structure, so we went back to Assam for a permanent structure and saw the concept of Bamboo from Assam. Then it took six to seven months to make the structure and it was ready today," Singh said.The Maha Kumbh, held once every 12 years, will conclude on February 26. The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) of the Kumbh will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). (ANI)