In anticipation of the massive influx of pilgrims for the 2025 Kumbh Mela, the Ministry of Railways has unveiled a comprehensive plan to accommodate the expected surge in travelers. The Railways will operate a total of 992 special trains from January 12 to February 28, 2025, to cater to the significant religious events during this period, including Paush Poornima, Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Maghi Poornima, and Mahashivaratri.
To further enhance connectivity, the Railways will introduce a new circular train route linking Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Varanasi. Additionally, 140 passing-through trains will make unscheduled stops in the Prayagraj area to facilitate boarding for more passengers.
To ensure smooth operations, the Ministry has allocated a substantial sum of Rs 933 crore for infrastructure development and passenger amenity upgrades. This includes the ongoing doubling of railway tracks in the Prayagraj Division, a project valued at Rs 3,700 crore.
A high-level meeting chaired by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed the preparations for the Kumbh Mela and the special train arrangements. The number of special trains for 2025 represents a 42% increase compared to the 2019 Kumbh Mela, reflecting the anticipated surge in visitors, estimated to reach 6 crore.
The Railways has also prioritized safety and security measures to provide a seamless and secure travel experience for the millions of pilgrims expected during this peak travel season.