Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], January 12: In preparation for the Maha Kumbh, Union Minister and MP from Udhampur, Jitendra Singh, announced that the railway authorities will operate three special trains between Katra and Prayagraj to accommodate pilgrims attending the religious event.
The first special train is scheduled for January 24, departing from Katra Shri Mata Vaishno Devi railway station to Prayagraj, with the return journey set for January 26. Singh shared the details on social media, stating, “Pleased to share that Railway Authorities have planned 3 Special Trains to and fro Katra-Prayagraj for the convenience of those attending the Maha Kumbh.” The specific timings are as follows:
- Departure from SVDK (Katra) at 03:50 hrs on 24/01/2025, arrival at PRYJ (Prayagraj) at 05:45 hrs on 25/01/2025.
- Return from PRYJ at 03:15 hrs on 26/01/2025, arrival at SVDK at 05:05 hrs on 27/01/2025.
The schedule for the remaining two trains will be announced soon.
Additionally, the North Central Railway (NCR) is fully prepared to handle the significant influx of pilgrims for the event, with plans to operate over 300 trains, including 80 special services. Shashi Kant Tripathi, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of NCR, assured that all necessary preparations, including crowd management, ticketing, train services, and security measures, have been put in place.
Tripathi mentioned that unreserved short-distance trains will start service from tomorrow, alongside long-distance special trains that began operations on January 1. The NCR has already introduced ring rail services and will soon launch unreserved trains as part of the ongoing preparations. “We have planned for over 80 Mela Special Trains, and the total number of trains in service will reach around 300,” he stated.
The NCR has also mobilized staff from across the country to support Kumbh operations in Prayagraj. Approximately 4,000 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, 10,000 Government Railway Police (GRP) officers, and other officials have been deployed.
To manage the large crowds effectively, the authorities have implemented specific entry and exit points at the stations, ensuring smooth movement of passengers. Additionally, multilingual announcements, toll-free numbers, and information screens have been installed to assist pilgrims in reaching their destinations with ease.
The railway department is prepared to evacuate up to 4-5 lakh people from Prayagraj, should they wish to return to their destinations. The Kumbh Mela, which is expected to attract millions of devotees, will conclude on February 26, with key bathing rituals scheduled for January 14, 29, and February 3.