As preparation for Maha Kumbh 2025 gears up in Prayagraj, Western Railway has announced the introduction of 98 special trains to accommodate smooth and safe travel of pilgrims.
Prayagraj: As preparation for Maha Kumbh 2025 gears up in Prayagraj, Western Railway has announced the introduction of 98 special trains to accommodate smooth and safe travel of pilgrims. The initiative aims to provide a comfortable travel experience for devotees flocking to the holy city. The PRO of Ahmedabad Division Railway, Ajay Solanki highlighted key measures being taken to enhance passenger convenience which includes maintaining hygiene, ensuring the proper functioning of electric appliances on trains, and deploying Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel at key stations for guidance and security.
In a statement, Ajay Solanki said, “… For the convenience of passengers, Western railways are running Kumbh special trains and denoting them through flex painting… Hygiene and the working of electric appliances are being taken care of… Up till now, 98 special trains have been started… RPF teams have been deployed at stations to guide passengers and security.”
Indian Railway arrangements
The Indian Railways has estimated over 45 crore devotees for the event and has made extensive arrangements to manage the unprecedented rush. According to Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board, more than 10,000 trains, including 3,300 special services, will operate during the Mahakumbh. He added that these trains will cater the large number of passengers travelling for Sangam Snan. In addition to that, Special crowd-management measures including colour-coded waiting zones and holding areas are made at stations for unreserved passengers. Teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) will be stationed to ensure systematic movement of devotees.
Significance of Maha Kumbh
The Maha Kumbh is the largest religious gathering in the world which is held every 12 years. Pilgrims across the world come to Prayagraj to take holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. This ritual is believed to absolve sins and grant spiritual liberation (moksha). The main bathing dates, or (Shahi Snan) of the Kumbh are set for January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).
(with inputs from agencies)
