The Indian Railways is rolling out a massive operation to manage the Maha Kumbh 2025, with 3,000 special trains slated for service, including 560 trains operating on ring rail routes, a senior official announced on Monday.
Upendra Chandra Joshi, General Manager of North Central Railway, highlighted the preparations during a press conference, revealing that 560 ticketing points are being established at nine major stations in Prayagraj, such as Prayagraj Junction, Subedarganj, Naini, and Prayag Junction. These ticketing counters, along with points in the fair area, are set to handle the issuance of around 10 lakh tickets daily, supported by a new facility allowing passengers to book tickets 15 days in advance.
Joshi detailed plans for ring rail routes connecting Prayagraj with Ayodhya, Varanasi, Chitrakoot, and Jhansi, ensuring seamless connectivity for pilgrims. The railway operation includes over 10,000 regular trains and 1,800 short-distance, 700 long-distance, and 560 ring rail special trains.
To manage the anticipated massive crowds, over 18,000 personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and State Railway Police will be deployed in Prayagraj. Enhanced passenger safety measures include the installation of 1,186 CCTV cameras, 116 of which are equipped with AI-based face recognition to identify potential threats.
Prayagraj Junction will also see improved crowd management with designated entry from the city side and exits via Civil Lines. Additionally, a six-bed observation room equipped with medical gear, including oxygen cylinders, ECG machines, and nebulizers, has been set up to address health emergencies.
As the Maha Kumbh draws closer, the Railways’ extensive planning aims to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience for millions of pilgrims.