Indian Railways Enhances Services for Mahakumbh
As the Mahakumbh Mela unfolds in Prayagraj, Indian Railways is taking significant steps to ensure that devotees have a smooth and convenient journey. This grand religious festival attracts millions of pilgrims from across India and around the world. To accommodate the influx of visitors, the Railways has introduced a comprehensive plan that includes additional trains, upgraded facilities, and enhanced security measures.
Increased Train Services for Devotees
To facilitate the travel of devotees, Indian Railways has launched an impressive number of additional trains. Today, 137 extra trains are operating alongside 349 regular trains, making it easier for pilgrims to reach Prayagraj. In just the first two days of the Mahakumbh, over 15.6 lakh passengers have already passed through the Prayagraj stations. The additional trains not only serve long-distance travelers but also provide ring rail services that connect nearby temple towns such as Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, and Varanasi.
Overall, Indian Railways plans to operate more than 13,100 trains during the 46-day Mahakumbh festival. This includes over 10,000 regular trains and more than 3,100 special trains, marking a 4.5-fold increase in special train services compared to the previous Kumbh. Among these, 1,800 trains will cater to short-distance travel, while 700 will serve long-distance routes. The introduction of 560 trains on four different ring rail routes will further enhance connectivity for the devotees.
Upgraded Infrastructure and Facilities
In preparation for the massive influx of pilgrims, Indian Railways has made significant upgrades to nine railway stations in the Prayagraj area. Key stations such as Prayagraj, Phaphamau, Rambag, and Jhunsi have been remodeled to accommodate more trains. Subedarganj station has been developed as a satellite station to ease congestion at Prayagraj Junction, which handled 45% of the crowd during the last Kumbh in 2019.
The infrastructure improvements include the construction of seven new platforms, bringing the total to 48 across the nine stations. This expansion aims to streamline operations and enhance the overall experience for passengers. Additionally, the Railways has established 17 new permanent Yatri Ashrayas (waiting areas) in the region, increasing the total capacity from 21,000 to over 110,000. A systematic color-coding scheme has also been introduced to help passengers navigate these waiting areas more easily.
Enhanced Security Measures
Safety is a top priority during the Mahakumbh, and Indian Railways has implemented robust security measures to ensure the safety of all devotees. Approximately 5,900 security personnel, including 3,200 Railway Protection Force (RPF) officers, have been deployed across the nine railway stations in and around Prayagraj.
To bolster surveillance, 764 new CCTV cameras have been installed, bringing the total to 1,186. This includes 116 Face Recognition System (FRS) cameras, which are being used for the first time to identify potential miscreants. Additionally, drone cameras are being utilized for monitoring crowd movements and ensuring safety on the approach roads to the stations. These measures aim to create a secure environment for the millions of devotees attending the festival.
Comprehensive Passenger Amenities
To further enhance the experience of passengers, Indian Railways has made extensive arrangements for amenities at the stations. Additional toilets have been constructed, and adequate drinking water and food facilities are available at every station. All waiting rooms and lounges have been upgraded to provide a comfortable environment for travelers.
For the first time, Yatri Suvidha Kendras have been launched at Prayagraj Junction and Prayagraj Chheoki. These centers will assist passengers with essential services such as wheelchair rentals, luggage trolleys, hotel and taxi bookings, and the provision of medicines and baby milk. With these comprehensive measures, Indian Railways aims to ensure that every devotee has a pleasant and hassle-free experience during the Mahakumbh Mela.
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