Special Trains Every 4 Minutes for Mauni Amavasya Pilgrims to Prayagraj
As millions of pilgrims prepare for the auspicious Mauni Amavasya bath in Prayagraj, the Indian Railways is stepping up its operations to ensure smooth travel for the expected surge of devotees. This year, on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which falls on Wednesday, Indian Railways plans to run special trains at an unprecedented frequency of every four minutes from Prayagraj, particularly from the main railway junction. This move is part of the authorities’ efforts to manage the expected influx of nearly 10 crore pilgrims for the Maha Kumbh bath at the Triveni Sangam.
Mauni Amavasya is one of the most significant bathing days during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, and it sees a massive gathering of pilgrims who come from all over India to take a dip in the sacred Triveni Sangam. This year, the Railways is preparing to accommodate an exceptional number of passengers. Officials estimate that around 10 crore people will converge on Prayagraj, with approximately 10% of them expected to travel by train. The Railway Ministry is aiming for a historic milestone, as it plans to run at least 150 special trains on this day. If successful, this operation would exceed the 85 special trains run during the Ardh Kumbh in 2019, further emphasising the scale of the operation this year.
Since January 13, the Railways has been witnessing a significant flow of passengers heading towards Prayagraj, with an estimated 48.7 lakh passengers having arrived at the nine stations in the city. Of these, the highest footfall was recorded on January 14 during Makar Sankranti, one of the major bathing days, when approximately 13.9 lakh passengers arrived by train. To manage this overwhelming demand, the Railways had operated 101 special trains to facilitate the smooth movement of passengers. Officials anticipate an even higher demand for trains on Mauni Amavasya, and they are gearing up to operate at least 150 special trains to accommodate the needs of the pilgrims. This is part of the Railways’ continuous efforts to enhance connectivity and ensure the safety and comfort of the millions of people flocking to Prayagraj for the ritual.
To ensure efficient transport logistics, the Railway Ministry has ramped up efforts in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh government and other local authorities. Measures include improving station facilities, ramping up security, and ensuring smooth crowd management. With the stations being inundated with large numbers of pilgrims, the authorities are also focusing on cleanliness, medical facilities, and food arrangements. The special trains will cater to various routes, ensuring that pilgrims from all parts of the country can easily reach Prayagraj in time for the sacred bath. Trains are expected to run in both directions, helping pilgrims travel to Prayagraj and return after completing their rituals.
While the Railway Ministry has taken significant steps to increase the number of special trains, managing such high passenger traffic remains a challenging task. The limited time frame and the scale of the operations require extensive planning and coordination. However, with lessons learned from previous Kumbh Mela events, the Indian Railways is determined to meet the needs of pilgrims while ensuring their comfort and safety. Looking ahead, officials hope that the record-breaking number of special trains operated this year will be a benchmark for future events, further improving the transportation infrastructure for the Maha Kumbh Mela and other major religious gatherings in India. The efforts of the Indian Railways are reflective of the broader commitment to providing pilgrims with a smooth and memorable experience. By enhancing accessibility and transportation options, the Railways ensures that pilgrims from all walks of life can partake in this important religious tradition. For many, the journey by train is not just about reaching a destination; it is an integral part of the pilgrimage experience itself. As the day of Mauni Amavasya approaches, the stage is set for what is expected to be one of the most well-coordinated and successful transportation operations in the history of the Kumbh Mela.
