Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), February 17 : The ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj continues to attract a massive influx of devotees, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announcing that over 53 crore devotees have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam so far.
The holy event is expected to continue for the next nine days, drawing even more visitors.
CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized the significance of Mahakumbh, highlighting that it is now recognized as the world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering. “This moment is even more important for us as Mahakumbh has become the world’s largest spiritual and cultural event. So far, 53 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam, and this process will continue for the next nine days,” he stated.
He also spoke of the growing faith and devotion across the country, crediting Prime Minister Modi’s leadership for restoring the faith of millions, citing the increased number of devotees in Ayodhya. “Under the leadership of PM Modi, the faith of the country got the respect it deserved. For the first time, after 500 years, we can visit Ayodhya and offer prayers to Lord Ram. In 2016-17, when there was no BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, only 2.35 lakh devotees visited Ayodhya. By 2024, the number has surged to 14-15 crore,” he added.
As the Mahakumbh progresses, Prayagraj Railway Station has been overwhelmed by the arrival of millions of devotees. In response, police and security forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have been working in close coordination to manage the situation. The Director General of CRPF, G.P. Singh, recently reviewed the security arrangements, praising the fine synergy between the Uttar Pradesh Police, CRPF, and other agencies in maintaining order during the event.
To ease the pressure on transportation, Northern Railway has introduced four special trains to manage the increased passenger traffic. These special trains will operate between New Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, and Prayagraj Junction, providing greater convenience for the traveling public. Following the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which claimed 18 lives, the railway authorities have taken extra measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
The special trains are:
- Train No. 04420: New Delhi to Prayagraj Jn, departing at 19:00
- Train No. 04422: New Delhi to Prayagraj Jn, departing at 21:00
- Train No. 04424: Anand Vihar Terminal to Prayagraj Jn, departing at 20:00
- Train No. 04418: New Delhi to Darbhanga Jn, departing at 15:00
These efforts aim to ensure that devotees can travel smoothly and safely to the Mahakumbh Mela.