Indian Railways Enhances Travel for Maha Kumbh Mela
The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Millions of devotees flock to this sacred event, seeking spiritual fulfillment and blessings. To accommodate this unprecedented influx of pilgrims, Indian Railways has launched extensive measures to ensure smooth and convenient travel. The Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, Shri Satish Kumar, recently addressed the media, outlining the significant steps taken to facilitate the journey for millions attending the event. With a focus on infrastructure, passenger amenities, and crowd management, Indian Railways is committed to providing a seamless experience for all attendees.
Extensive Train Operations for Pilgrims
To manage the massive influx of devotees, Indian Railways has implemented an unprecedented operation of 360 trains, including 190 special trains. This initiative is particularly crucial for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya, the most auspicious day of the Maha Kumbh Mela. On January 14 alone, the railways operated between 132 to 135 special trains. This historic move ensures that a train departs every four minutes, providing seamless connectivity for millions of pilgrims.
The special trains are being operated from three zones: Northern Railway (NR), North Eastern Railway (NER), and North Central Railway (NCR). This strategic deployment of resources aims to alleviate the pressure on regular train services, ensuring that all devotees can reach their destination without delays. The extensive planning and execution of these operations reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to serving the needs of the pilgrims during this significant event.
Infrastructure Development Worth ₹5,000 Crore
To support the massive scale of the Maha Kumbh Mela, Indian Railways has invested ₹5,000 crore in infrastructure development in and around Prayagraj. This investment has led to significant upgrades, including the construction of new Road Under Bridges (RUBs) and Road Over Bridges (ROBs). Additionally, track doubling and station upgrades have been implemented to decongest the rail lines, making it easier for trains to operate efficiently.
These infrastructure improvements are vital for managing the large number of passengers expected during the event. By enhancing the capacity and reliability of the rail network, Indian Railways aims to provide a comfortable travel experience for all devotees. The upgrades not only facilitate better train services but also ensure that the overall travel experience is smooth and hassle-free.
Enhanced Passenger Amenities and Safety Measures
Indian Railways has significantly improved passenger amenities to ensure a seamless journey for devotees. Every station in Prayagraj is equipped with newly constructed toilets, ample drinking water, and food courts. In case of emergencies, First Aid booths and medical observation rooms are available to provide necessary assistance.
At Prayagraj Junction and Prayagraj Chheoki, the Yatri Suvidha Kendra offers various services to assist devotees. These include wheelchairs, luggage trolleys, hotel and taxi bookings, and essential items like medicines and baby milk. To ensure safety, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel are deployed at railway stations to manage crowd flow and assist devotees during boarding and deboarding.
Moreover, colour-coded tickets and designated Ashriya Asthals have been introduced to facilitate smooth movement. RPF personnel escort devotees from these holding areas to the trains, ensuring that everyone reaches their destination safely. With medical teams stationed at key locations, immediate care is available for any devotee in need.
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