The Railway Ministry is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela, with plans to run 992 special trains and an allocation of Rs 933 crore for infrastructure and amenity upgrades. This mega religious congregation is set to be held in Prayagraj from January 12, gathering an estimated 30 crore to 50 crore devotees.

With a focus on ensuring seamless travel for the pilgrims, the Railway Ministry is working on doubling the railway tracks at an approximate cost of Rs 3,700 crore in the Prayagraj Division and its adjoining areas. This initiative aims to facilitate the smooth movement of trains, especially during the peak period of the Kumbh Mela event.

To oversee these extensive preparations, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and his deputies, Ravneet Singh Bittu and V Somanna, have been holding regular meetings and video conferences with senior railway officials and zone-specific general managers. These discussions aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the preparatory activities as well as to ensure that all necessary measures are in place for the impending surge in passenger traffic.

Notably, the Railway Ministry has drawn from past experiences, particularly the 2019 Kumbh Mela, where over 24 crore people attended the event. Building on this knowledge, the decision was made to increase the number of special trains by 42 per cent from the previous Kumbh Mela, showcasing a proactive approach to potential transportation requirements.

In addition to the plans for special trains, substantial investments have been earmarked for various infrastructure enhancements. This includes approximately Rs 440 crore allocated for the construction of road overbridges and an additional Rs 495 crore for activities such as road repairs, installation of CCTV cameras, and the provision of additional accommodation units, waiting rooms, and medical facilities for passengers at the station premises.

Highlighting the progress on the ground, railway officials have reported that the doubling of rail lines between Varanasi and Jhusi has been completed, demonstrating the tangible advancements in railway infrastructure ahead of the event. Moreover, the completion of the Dedicated Freight Corridor, aimed at relieving the operational load on Indian Railway lines and enhancing the efficiency of passenger train services, has been hailed as a significant milestone in the preparatory efforts.

With these meticulous preparations and robust infrastructure upgrades, the Railway Ministry is geared to accommodate the millions of devotees expected to converge in Prayagraj for the sacred Kumbh Mela, striving to create a safe and efficient travel experience for all pilgrims.

(With media inputs)