Railways Prepares Safety Blueprint For Maha Kumbh 2025, Will Prioritise Safety Over All

The upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is expected to attract around 400 million devotees. The Indian Railways is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and smooth return of all pilgrims.

A procession of Naga sadhus. Naga sadhus will be the first to arrive for Maha Kumbh.

Source : PTI

The upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is expected to witness around 400 million devotees. Ensuring the safety and smooth return of all pilgrims to their homes poses a significant challenge for the government and administration. The Indian Railways is set to play a pivotal role in this effort. An estimated two crore pilgrims are expected to travel to and from Prayagraj via train, making crowd management and safety a top priority for the railways. Extensive preparations have been made to avert any mishaps or stampedes.

Under normal circumstances, the railways’ primary goal is to ensure timely train services. However, given the sheer volume of passengers during the Mahakumbh, safety has been elevated as the foremost concern. As such delays can be expected. A comprehensive plan has been devised, and significant infrastructure upgrades have been implemented at railway stations to accommodate the surge in passengers.

In collaboration with the local administration, the Railways has established a control room to monitor live CCTV footage of the Mahakumbh. This setup will provide real-time data on passenger movement toward railway stations. At Prayagraj Junction, designated holding areas in blue, yellow, green, and red zones have been created to manage crowds. Each holding area can accommodate up to 10,000 passengers and is equipped with essential amenities, including restrooms, potable water, and first-aid facilities.

Streamlined Ticketing And Train Operations

To facilitate seamless travel, the Railways has set up 10 ticket counters per holding area. Additionally, more than 20 railway staffers equipped with handheld devices will issue tickets directly to passengers in these zones. The Railways is prepared to issue up to 1,00,000 tickets daily.

If a holding area reaches capacity, railway officials will promptly arrange for a special train to clear the crowd. Passengers will receive tickets specifying their train's platform and departure time while still in the holding area. Nearly 200 railway personnel and volunteers will guide passengers directly to the designated platform, ensuring minimal confusion and smooth boarding.

Colour-Coded Holding Areas for Better Crowd Management

Colour-coded holding areas are designed to streamline passenger flow, with each colour corresponding to specific destinations. Information about which holding area serves which city will be prominently displayed in the respective zones and throughout the Mahakumbh area. This system aims to keep passengers organised and reduce unnecessary movement within the station premises.