Kumbh Mela 2025: Indian Railways to run 992 special trains for the event

To manage the crowd of pilgrims for the 2025 Kumbh Mela, which is considered world's largest religious gathering, the Ministry of Railways has unveiled a comprehensive plan that includes operating 992 special trains from January 12 to February 28, 2025. These special trains are intended to accommodate the millions of visitors expected at the event, in addition to the 6,580 regular services and 140 trains passing through the Prayagraj area, which will make extra stops to serve the large crowds.

In a move to enhance accessibility and convenience for attendees, the Ministry of Railways is also introducing a new circular train route that will connect Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Varanasi. This new route aims to facilitate easier travel between the key pilgrimage cities and streamline the movement of devotees during the event. Additionally, the Ministry plans to deploy 174 longer rakes to manage the increased passenger load efficiently.The Railways' preparations are backed by a significant investment of Rs 933 crore aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing passenger amenities. As part of this initiative, a Rs 3,700 crore project to double the railway tracks within the Prayagraj Division is also underway. This major infrastructure upgrade is designed to support the increased train operations required during the Kumbh Mela and to ensure smoother and faster transportation for the millions of visitors.

A high-level meeting to review these plans was led by Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, with the participation of Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, and V. Somanna. During the meeting, the government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth and efficient pilgrimage experience. The railways' special train arrangements are a critical part of the overall strategy to manage the vast crowds expected during the Kumbh Mela.

This year, the Ministry of Railways has increased the number of special trains by 42% compared to the 694 trains operated during the 2019 Kumbh Mela. This significant increase reflects the government’s effort to accommodate the anticipated 6 crore visitors to Prayagraj and facilitate the movement of 20 to 30 crore people across India during the festive season.
Along with these transportation enhancements, safety and security measures have been prioritized to ensure that the travel experience remains safe and seamless for all pilgrims. The extensive preparations by the Ministry of Railways underscore the government’s dedication to the Kumbh Mela's success, ensuring it is a memorable and smooth experience for every devotee.