Indian Railways has planned an unprecedented operation of operating 360 trains including 190 special trains to ensure smooth and convenient travel for lakhs of devotees attending the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
Railway Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Satish Kumar told reporters that Indian Railways has taken extensive measures to accommodate the unprecedented influx of pilgrims to the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. As part of these efforts, Indian Railways operated 132 to 135 special trains on January 14 and has decided to significantly increase train services for Mauni Amavasya on Wednesday, the most auspicious day of Mahakumbh 2025.
Satish Kumar said that Indian Railways is running an unprecedented 360 trains on this occasion including 190 special trains, special trains are being run from three zones Northern Railway, North Eastern Railway and North Central Railway to manage the massive influx of devotees. This historic move will ensure running of one train every four minutes, providing seamless connectivity and seamless travel for millions of pilgrims. He said Indian Railways has developed infrastructure worth Rs 5,000 crore in and around Prayagraj to support the Maha Kumbh Mela, ensuring timely upgradation and enhanced capacity.
Major infrastructure developments such as new Road Under Bridges (RUBs) and Road Over Bridges (ROBs), track doubling and station upgrades have made this record-breaking train service possible by reducing congestion on rail lines. He said, “Indian Railways has significantly improved passenger amenities to ensure seamless travel for the devotees. Each station in Prayagraj has adequate drinking water and food courts as well as newly constructed toilets. In case of an emergency, first aid booths and medical observation rooms will provide necessary assistance. At Prayagraj Junction and Prayagraj Chheoki, Yatri Suvidha Kendras will assist devotees with wheelchairs, luggage trolleys, hotel and taxi bookings, medicines, baby milk and other essential items.”
For better crowd management, RPF personnel are deployed at railway stations to ensure seamless boarding and deboarding. Special RPF teams have been deputed to ensure the safety of devotees during the Maha Kumbh. To facilitate smooth movement, colour-coded tickets and designated shelters have been introduced. RPF personnel escort devotees from the shelters and assist them in reaching trains. Holding areas have been set up both at Prayagraj station and outside the station, where food, water and other essential amenities are provided for up to one lakh people. Medical teams are also deployed at the locations, ready to attend to any devotee who needs immediate care.
Kumar said devotees are arriving by train round the clock for the Maha Kumbh and to control the huge crowd, several CCTV cameras have been installed to keep an eye on the pilgrims and divert them to less crowded areas. He also praised the state government’s extraordinary arrangements for the convenience of the devotees, which include provisions for both accommodation and food. In a coordinated effort with the Uttar Pradesh government, the Indian Railways has set up several holding areas where passengers can wait comfortably in tents. These areas are equipped with food arrangements and display information in multiple languages. One of the largest such areas is Khusro Bagh, located right outside the Prayagraj station, which can accommodate one lakh passengers at a time.
