Indian Railways Invests Rs 5,000 Crore in Revamping Infrastructure for Maha Kumbh 2025
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 continues, Indian Railways has announced a significant investment to ensure the smooth transportation of millions of devotees to the event. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the government has allocated a staggering Rs 5,000 crore over the past three years to redevelop and upgrade the railway infrastructure in Prayagraj, preparing for the massive influx of pilgrims.
The redevelopment efforts primarily focus on improving the railway stations surrounding Prayagraj, aiming to enhance passenger capacity and ensure a more seamless journey for devotees attending one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. Vaishnaw shared that the investment has enabled the railways to increase evacuation capacity to over 1 crore people per day—an impressive leap from the previous capacity of 40 lakh. This will be a crucial factor during the peak days of the event when millions flock to the sacred city.
In a bid to further enhance the experience, dedicated holding areas have been established for devotees before they board the trains. A newly established “Railway Board War Room” will oversee operations to ensure real-time coordination and address any challenges during the event, showcasing the government’s preparedness for managing such a colossal undertaking.
Indian Railways Invests Rs 5,000 Crore in Revamping Infrastructure for Maha Kumbh 2025
The scale of the Kumbh Mela itself is immense, with an expected turnout of 450 million pilgrims, tourists, and visitors over the course of the event. Key bathing dates, known as Shahi Snans, include Makar Sankranti (14 January), Mauni Amavasya (29 January), Basant Panchami (3 February), Maghi Purnima (12 February), and Maha Shivaratri (26 February), when the number of devotees is expected to surge significantly.
In addition to the infrastructure upgrades in Prayagraj, Indian Railways is operating 13,000 trains during the event, including 3,000 special trains to ensure efficient travel. Trains have been specially arranged for pilgrims coming from various regions, including routes from Bengaluru and Mysuru, with numerous special services for the convenience of attendees. For example, the Mysuru-Danapur Kumbh Mela Special will run on specific dates in January, February, and March, providing additional connectivity to the event.
Minister Vaishnaw also highlighted the significant increase in the railway budget under the current government. The railways’ budget allocation for Delhi alone has increased from Rs 96 crore a decade ago to Rs 582 crore today. This 27% increase has facilitated the development of new projects, including the redevelopment of 13 major stations in Delhi. Notably, Safdarjung Station will undergo a transformation into a G7-level facility, while Hazrat Nizamuddin station will be developed into a mega terminal to accommodate increasing traffic.
The transformation isn’t just about station development; integrated services are also being enhanced. For instance, Anand Vihar railway station will see capacity improvements, along with a skywalk linking it to metro and rapid rail systems for better connectivity. These improvements are part of a broader plan to ensure the stations and services cater to the rising number of passengers during peak times.
Indian Railways Invests Rs 5,000 Crore in Revamping Infrastructure for Maha Kumbh 2025 In a bid to add to the cultural experience of the event, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has partnered with Chai Point to serve over 1 crore cups of tea brewed with their premium Nandini milk. This collaboration ensures that visitors enjoy high-quality tea while immersing themselves in the spiritual and cultural essence of the Kumbh Mela.
With meticulous planning and a vast investment in infrastructure, Indian Railways is not only ensuring a smooth transit for millions of pilgrims but is also setting an example of how modern infrastructure can enhance the experience of one of the world’s most significant religious events.
