In preparation for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, the Western Railway has announced the operation of eight pairs of special trains from Gujarat to key destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. These trains, aimed at accommodating the influx of pilgrims attending the religious gathering, will run on specific dates in January and February 2025. With thousands of devotees expected to attend, these services will ensure smoother and more comfortable travel, helping manage the anticipated rush.
The special train services will connect several major cities in Gujarat, including Sabarmati (Ahmedabad), Surat, Vadodara, Vapi, Valsad, and Bhavnagar, to popular stations in Prayagraj, Banaras, and Ballia. Among the services, the Sabarmati–Banaras Special will operate 10 trips on selected dates, departing Sabarmati at 11:00 AM and returning from Banaras at 7:30 PM. In addition, two other trains from Sabarmati will cater to passengers heading towards Banaras via Gandhinagar Capital, ensuring wider accessibility to pilgrims from different parts of Gujarat.
In total, the trains will serve several key stations, including Mahesana, Ajmer, Jaipur, Agra Fort, and Prayagraj. For passengers travelling from Bhavnagar, the Bhavnagar Terminus–Banaras Special will operate six trips, with a return service departing Banaras at 7:30 PM. Other routes include services from Udhna to Ballia and Valsad to Danapur, further adding to the comprehensive network of trains dedicated to the Maha Kumbh Mela. The services will significantly ease the burden on regular train routes and cater to the religious tourism demand during the event.
Sustainability has been a key focus in the development of these services. With growing concerns about transportation emissions and their environmental impact, the railway has been focusing on efficient scheduling and train management to minimise energy consumption. The implementation of these special trains also helps alleviate the environmental strain caused by overcrowding, by offering dedicated services for the religious event. In addition, these services help reduce the carbon footprint by providing pilgrims with a convenient and environmentally conscious means of transport, avoiding the need for personal vehicles that contribute to traffic congestion and pollution.
