Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: The grand 45-day-long Mahakumbh 2025 has officially concluded, with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledging the massive coordination efforts that enabled the smooth operation of over 16,000 trains during the event.
Vaishnaw, who visited Prayagraj Junction and met with railway officials on Thursday, expressed gratitude for the seamless execution of transport arrangements, attributing the success to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
“Everyone’s cooperation allowed us to work in close coordination, because of which we were able to operate more than 16,000 trains when we had planned for 13,000. We were able to bring about 4 to 5 crore devotees to Sangam for the Mahakumbh,” Vaishnaw said.
Railway Operations and Crowd Management
The Railway Minister emphasized the efficient collaboration between state police, RPF, Rapid Action Force, and railway departments, ensuring hassle-free travel for millions of pilgrims. He also noted that special holding areas played a crucial role in managing the returning crowds.
“PM Narendra Modi guided us to consider the faith of the devotees visiting Mahakumbh and not look at them as a crowd… We will analyze all the arrangements and bring permanent changes in the railway operations manual,” Vaishnaw added.
Highlighting the success of crowd management strategies, he stated that war rooms at every station, zone, and division facilitated real-time coordination, which will be implemented in future large-scale events.
Historic Mahakumbh Participation
The religious congregation concluded on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri on February 26, though devotees continue to arrive at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam for a holy dip.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a post on X, praised the unprecedented turnout at Mahakumbh 2025, stating:
“The ‘Maha Yagya’ of humanity, the grand festival of faith, unity, and equality, Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj, organised under the guidance of the respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is moving towards its culmination today with the holy bath of Maha Shivratri.”
He further noted that over 66 crore 21 lakh devotees participated in the sacred bathing ritual, calling it an unmatched event in world history.
“It is the result of the holy blessings of revered Akharas, saints, Mahamandaleshwars, and religious gurus that this great gathering of harmony is becoming divine and grand, giving the message of unity to the entire world,” Adityanath added.
Key Bathing Days of Mahakumbh 2025
The festival officially began with the first Amrit Snan on Paush Purnima (January 13) and witnessed massive participation on the following sacred bathing days:
- Makar Sankranti – January 14
- Mauni Amavasya – January 29
- Basant Panchami – February 3
- Maghi Purnima – February 12
- Maha Shivratri – February 26 (Final Bathing Day)
With its spiritual and logistical success, Mahakumbh 2025 has once again cemented its place as the largest religious gathering in the world.