The Indian Railways has prepared a detailed blueprint to manage the massive influx of pilgrims during the 2025 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. This comprehensive plan, developed in collaboration with the Chief Minister and district administration, outlines measures to handle various scenarios, including the deployment of 1225 special trains for the Kumbh,...
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with over 300 dedicated to the highly anticipated 'Mauni Amavasya'. It also includes a strategy for managing crowds, with designated holding areas throughout the city, particularly around the Sangam (confluence of rivers) and the railway station. The plan prioritizes crowd control and safety, ensuring a smooth and secure experience for pilgrims. To accommodate the expected influx of people, nine railway stations in the area are undergoing significant expansion, including the addition of platforms and yard modernization. Additionally, a control room is being established at Prayagraj Junction to monitor activities and facilitate communication between the Railways and the District Administration. The blueprint encompasses detailed traffic management strategies, with specific routes for pilgrims to enter and exit the Kumbh Mela area, including the Sangam and railway station. The plan also emphasizes the use of holding areas to manage crowds effectively, prevent overcrowding, and ensure the safety of all attendees.

The Uttar Pradesh government and Indian Railways are collaborating on extensive preparations for the Maha Kumbh 2025, including station capacity and facility upgrades, special train operations, pedestrian routes, and emergency plans. To accommodate the millions of pilgrims expected, nine major railway stations in Prayagraj are being expanded and modernized, including the...
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Prayagraj Junction, Subedarganj Junction, Naini Junction, Chivki Junction, Rambag Junction, Jhunsi Junction, Phaphamau Junction, Prayag Junction, and Prayag Ghat Junction. The railways are planning to operate 992 special trains for the Maha Kumbh, roughly double the 572 operated in 2019. Over 300 special trains will be deployed during the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya. A one-way pedestrian route will be established from the railway station to the Mela area to manage crowds and provide pilgrims with seamless access. The railway administration has also created six contingency plans, including the identification of 90 holding areas at railway stations to mitigate crowding and ensure smooth passenger movement. The Prayagraj Junction is undergoing a comprehensive station development plan, while Phaphamau and Prayag Junctions are being revitalized under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme. These renovations, including the construction of new platforms and the expansion of passenger facilities, are scheduled for completion by October 2024.

Prayagraj is getting 15 new railway overbridges and underbridges in preparation for the Maha Kumbh. Seven of these bridges are expected to open this month, including the one near Prayagraj Chivki level crossing 34A, Begam Bazaar ROB at level crossing 3, Karachna Yard at level crossing 31, Ek Salori ROB at...
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level crossing 75, and Annie Besant RUB at level crossing 77. Six more bridges will open in November, and two more in December. The Subedarganj railway station overbridge will be completed in December, along with the Jagatpur ROB on the Prayagraj-Varanasi railway route. Currently, six ROBs/RUBs are operational, including the Bakshi Bandh and Jhunsi Yard RUBs.

During the bathing festivals of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, separate routes will be implemented for passenger arrival and departure at Prayagraj Junction, Naini, Chheoki, Subedarganj, Prayag Junction and Phaphamau stations. This arrangement will be in effect for 20 days across different dates during the Mela. The Kumbh Mela has six...
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main bathing festivals. The Paus Purnima will be on the 13th and the Makar Sankranti bathing festival will be on the 14th of January. Separate routes will be in place for entry and exit at these railway stations between the 12th and 16th of January. This arrangement will be in effect from January 28th to 31st for the Mauni Amavasya on January 29th, from the 2nd to the 5th of February for Basant Panchami on the 3rd of February, from the 11th to the 14th of February for the Maghi Purnima on the 12th of February, and from the 25th to the 28th of February for the Mahashivratri on the 26th of February.

The Indian Railways has finalized its preparations for the Maha Kumbh 2025. Anticipating a huge influx of devotees, 1225 special trains will be run during the major bathing festivals, a significant increase from the 694 trains operated during the 2019 Kumbh. Nine key railway stations in Prayagraj have been...
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upgraded to ensure seamless travel for pilgrims. To manage the anticipated crowds, devotees will be diverted to other stations like Subedarganj, Phaphamau, Chheoki, and Jhusi. The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) will help reduce traffic congestion, enabling the operation of more trains. Delhi-bound trains will depart from Subedarganj, while Lucknow-bound trains will utilize the modernized Phaphamau station. To alleviate the strain on Prayagraj Junction, trains to Varanasi will depart from Jhusi station. The North Central Railway is spearheading the effort, collaborating with the Northern and Northeast Railways. A four-tiered alternate arrangement has been implemented to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. Two road over bridges (ROBs) are expected to be completed by November-December, with the Begam Bazaar ROB, pending since the 2019 Kumbh, also being finalized. The detailed train schedule includes specific dates and the number of trains allocated for various bathing festivals. A total of 400 long-distance trains will be operated in addition to the 825 special trains, making a grand total of 1225 trains for Maha Kumbh 2025.