As Maha Kumbh 2025 Ends Today, Authorities On Alert: Extra Trains, Tight Security & Medical Support Ready

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is closely monitoring the entire railway operation, the railway has made extensive preparations, as the rush might lead to heavy crowding at railway stations.

North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway, and Northern Railway have made extensive preparations.

Source : PTI

As the final Amrit Snan of the Mahakumbh 2025 is scheduled for February 26 the Indian Railways is anticipating a large number of passengers both travelling to Prayagraj and returning to their hometown.

North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway, and Northern Railway have made extensive preparations, as the rush might lead to heavy crowding at railway stations. All officials and staff have been directed to remain vigilant at their workstations.

Special arrangements have been made to run additional trains after the Maha Shivaratri Snan, with extra rakes stationed near Prayagraj for use as needed. Initially, the railway had planned for the operation of approximately 13,500 trains during the Maha Kumbh. However, as of the 42nd day, more than 15,000 trains, including a large number of special trains, have already been run.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is closely monitoring the entire railway operation. Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, Satish Kumar, is actively overseeing train operations. General Managers of the three zonal railways, along with their teams, are working to strengthen railway arrangements. The railway minister has directed the Chairman of the Railway Board and General Managers of all zonal railways to ensure the utmost care for Maha Kumbh passengers and operate additional special trains if needed.

In preparation for the large influx of pilgrims on Maha Shivaratri, he railway administration has implemented several measures to ensure passenger convenience, including enhanced security, shelters, and streamlined ticketing, along with operating additional trains. More than 1,500 commercial department staff and 3,000 Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel have been deployed across all stations in the Prayagraj region. Additionally, security has been strengthened with 29 squads of the Railway Protection Special Force, 2 squads of the Women Railway Protection Special Force, 22 dog squads, and 2 bomb disposal squads stationed in Prayagraj. Teams from Scouts & Guides, Civil Defense, and other departments are also actively working to enhance travel facilities for pilgrims.

To ensure a smooth journey for pilgrims, internal movement plans have been implemented at all stations in the Prayagraj region, and pilgrims have been transported to their destinations via special trains. At Prayagraj Junction, passengers were directed to specific shelters based on their destinations and then taken by special trains to their respective locations. Medical facilities were also available at various stations, where serious cases of pilgrims were treated in observation rooms.

According to PTI citing government data, by 2 am on Wednesday, over 11.66 lakh devotees immersed themselves in the Sangam on Mahashivratri, which marks the last day of the Kumbh. The number surged to 25.64 lakh in the next two hours and 41.11 lakh by 6 am. By 10 am, 81.09 lakh people had taken the final 'snan' at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers.