The Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, is set to take place in Allahabad, India, from January 12 to March 4, 2025. To accommodate the expected influx of pilgrims, Indian Railways has announced plans to operate 992 special trains and allocate Rs 933 crore for infrastructure improvements.
Indian Railways is fully prepared for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in 2025. It is a massive religious gathering expected to attract 30 to 50 crore devotees in Prayagraj. The Ministry of Railways has announced that it will run 992 special trains during the event, along with its regular services. To ensure smooth travel, the ministry is spending Rs 933 crore on infrastructure improvements. This cost includes road repairs, installing CCTV cameras, and upgrading waiting areas and medical facilities at key stations.
A significant part of the preparation includes doubling the railway tracks in the Prayagraj region, a project costing Rs 3,700 crore. This upgrade will help manage the heavy rush during the Mela. The Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and his team have been regularly reviewing the preparations to ensure everything runs efficiently.
The last Kumbh Mela was in 2019 when 24 crore people attended. This year Indian Railways has increased the number of special trains by 42%. Additionally, the completion of the Dedicated Freight Corridor will ease the pressure on regular railway lines, allowing more efficient train services during the event.
Betterment Plans
In addition to increasing the number of trains, the Indian Railways is investing heavily in infrastructure improvements:
- Station Enhancements: Stations are getting upgrades such as better waiting rooms. Moreover, additional accommodation facilities, and improved medical services to cater to the needs of travelers.
- Building New Overbridges: To improve safety and traffic flow, new road overbridges are being constructed.
- Security Measures: Installation of CCTV cameras is underway to ensure the safety of passengers throughout their journey.
The Kumbh Mela will start on January 12, 2025. After that you can also see other festivals like Paush Poornima, Makar Sankranti, and Mahashivratri. With the extensive plans in place, Indian Railways is working hard to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for millions of pilgrims.
