Indian Railways Ensures No Special Train Cancellations After Stampede at Maha Kumbh, Plans 360 Trains to Manage Crowds

New Delhi: Following the tragic stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, which left at least 15 people feared dead, the Indian Railways has confirmed that no special trains scheduled for the event have been cancelled or stopped. In fact, the Railways has planned to run more than 360 trains from various stations in the Prayagraj region to manage the massive influx of pilgrims.

Dileep Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board, emphasized that empty rakes have been sent to clear the rush. “We have not halted any train operations, and there are no cancellations. Our priority is to clear the station area and ensure smooth movement for the devotees,” Kumar said in a statement.

The stampede-like incident occurred around 2 am on Wednesday, coinciding with the auspicious Mauni Amavasya, when around 8 to 10 crore devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam for the holy dip. The situation, which led to several casualties and injuries, was brought under control by the local authorities.

The Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet, is considered one of the holiest places in Hinduism. Devotees believe that taking a dip here during significant dates such as Mauni Amavasya brings salvation.

Maha Kumbh is a rare event held every 12 years, and the 2025 edition is particularly significant as it occurs once every 144 years. The authorities continue to prioritize safety and crowd management as millions of pilgrims continue to attend the event.