As preparations for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 near completion, Indian Railways is taking significant steps to ensure smooth transportation for the millions expected to attend the grand religious event in Prayagraj. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is set to visit Prayagraj on December 8 to review the final arrangements, alongside Railway Board CEO and Chairman Satish Kumar.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, 2025, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, expected to draw a massive influx of pilgrims and tourists. To facilitate the smooth movement of people, high-speed trains will operate between Prayagraj and Varanasi, reducing travel time and improving overall connectivity.
The new rail infrastructure is a key part of the preparations. The Ganga Rail Bridge and the Prayagraj-Varanasi rail track, which are being developed under a budget of over Rs 950 crore, will enable trains to run at speeds of up to 130 km/h. These upgrades are being carried out by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), with the construction of the Ganga Rail Bridge beginning in 2019. Once operational, the bridge will replace the old Izzat Bridge, connecting Daraganj in Prayagraj with Jhusi, significantly improving transportation routes.
In addition to the Ganga Rail Bridge, several other projects have been completed, including the CMP Degree College rail overbridge and the Jhusi-Rambagh double-track link. These improvements will enhance rail connectivity on major routes such as Delhi-Kolkata, Prayagraj-Kolkata, and Prayagraj-Patna, facilitating the movement of about 200 trains daily with greater efficiency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Ganga Rail Bridge and the Prayagraj-Varanasi rail track on December 13, ahead of the Kumbh Mela. These developments aim to accommodate the anticipated surge in passengers during the event, ensuring a seamless travel experience for attendees.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a highly significant event for followers of Sanatan Dharma. Held once every 12 years, the event will take place in Siddhi Yoga on January 29, 2025, and is anticipated to be a grand gathering of devotees and saints from around the world. Pilgrims often flock to the Maha Kumbh to take a dip in the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, in hopes of spiritual cleansing.
