Preparations In Full Swing For Maha Kumbh 2025, Says Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav addressed the media during a press conference at Prayagraj Junction, highlighting the extensive preparations being made for the Maha Kumbh 2025. Vaishnav emphasized that the Indian Railways has been working diligently for over two and a half years to accommodate the massive influx of devotees expected for the event. Over Rs 5000 crore has been invested in the Prayagraj region, with significant infrastructure improvements already underway.

These developments include the construction of 21 road overbridges and underbridges, designed to ensure smooth rail operations throughout the region.

Increased Train Services And New Innovations For The Kumbh Mela

With an estimated 20 million devotees arriving each day, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced that the Indian Railways will operate over 13,000 trains during the Maha Kumbh, including 3,000 special trains. This marks a significant increase from the 7,000 trains that operated during the last Kumbh Mela. To accommodate short-distance travel, the Railways will deploy a large number of MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) trains.

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The doubling of tracks between Banaras and Prayagraj, along with the construction of a new bridge across the Ganga after 100 years, further enhances the region’s railway capacity. Doubling between Phaphamau and Janghai has also increased the train operating capacity, providing better connectivity during the event.

Innovative Ticketing And Passenger Services

Vaishnav introduced a new, streamlined process for ticketing during the Maha Kumbh. Passengers will no longer need to go to railway stations to purchase tickets. Commercial staff will wear green jackets with a QR code printed on the back. Devotees can scan this code to download the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) app, which allows them to book tickets and make digital payments directly from their mobile phones.

Coordination And Further Improvements

In addition to the operational plans, Vaishnav held a meeting with railway officials and district administration at the North Central Railway Headquarters. He stressed the importance of coordinating efforts between the railway department and district officials to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the fair. He also suggested expanding the holding areas and increasing train frequency to meet the demand.

Furthermore, the Railway Minister advocated for a cleaner, plastic-free Kumbh and encouraged efforts to improve medical facilities, including the hiring of additional staff if necessary. He also highlighted the need to enhance railway capacity in the Kanpur area, which is crucial for passengers traveling towards Bundelkhand, Lucknow, and Agra.