New Delhi: Indian Railways has undertaken massive efforts to ensure smooth and convenient travel for the millions of devotees attending the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Addressing the media, the chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, Satish Kumar, said that railways has taken extensive measures to accommodate the unprecedented influx of pilgrims. As part of these efforts, Indian Railways operated 132 to 135 special trains on 14 January and has decided to significantly increase train services for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya, the most auspicious day of Maha Kumbh 2025. Satish Kumar said railways is operating an unprecedented 360 trains for this occasion, including 190 special trains from three zones, NR, NER and NCR, to manage the massive influx of devotees. This historic move will ensure a train runs every four minutes, providing seamless connectivity and uninterrupted travel for millions of pilgrims.

He mentioned that Indian Railways has developed infrastructure worth ₹5,000 crore in and around Prayagraj to support the Maha Kumbh Mela, ensuring timely upgrades and enhanced capacity. Key infrastructure developments such as new road under bridges and road over bridges, track doubling and station upgrades have made this record-breaking train service possible by decongesting the rail lines.

He further stated that Indian Railways has significantly improved passenger amenities to ensure a seamless journey for devotees. Every station in Prayagraj has newly constructed toilets along with ample drinking water and food courts. In case of emergencies, first aid booths and medical observation rooms will provide assistance. At Prayagraj Junction and Prayagraj Chheoki, the Yatri Suvidha Kendra will assist devotees with wheelchairs, luggage trolleys, hotel and taxi bookings, medicines, baby milk and other essentials.

For better crowd management, RPF personnel are deployed at railway stations to ensure seamless boarding and deboarding. A special RPF team has been assigned to ensure the safety of devotees during the ongoing Maha Kumbh. To facilitate smooth movement, colour-coded tickets and designated Ashriya Asthals have been introduced. RPF personnel escort devotees from the Ashriya Asthals and assist them in reaching the trains. Holding areas have been set up both at Prayagraj station and outside the station, where food, water and other essential facilities are provided for up to one lakh people. Medical teams are also stationed at these locations, ready to attend to any devotee who requires immediate care.

Kumar stated that devotees are arriving around the clock by train for the Maha Kumbh, and to manage the large crowds, numerous CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor and divert pilgrims to less crowded areas. He also praised the state government's exceptional arrangements for the convenience of the devotees, including provisions for both accommodation and food. In a coordinated effort with the Uttar Pradesh government, Indian Railways has established multiple holding areas where passengers can wait comfortably in tents. These areas are equipped with food arrangements and display information in several languages. One of the largest such areas is Khusro Bagh, located just outside Prayagraj station, which can accommodate up to one lakh passengers at a time.

BI Bureau