As the grand spectacle of Maha Kumbh 2025 approaches, the Indian Railways is leaving no stone unturned to ensure seamless travel for millions of pilgrims heading to Prayagraj. With an anticipated surge in passenger traffic, the railways have arranged a series of special trains, providing convenience and connectivity for devotees. Here’s a detailed look at the special trains, their timings, routes, and additional facilities planned for this monumental event.
Sahi Snan Dates for Maha Kumbh 2025
- January 14 (Makar Sankranti)
- January 29 (Mauni Amavasya)
- February 3 (Basant Panchami)
Expanded Rail Services
The Indian government, in collaboration with Indian Railways, plans to operate approximately 13,000 special trains during the event. Among these, 700 long-distance Mela Special Trains and 1,800 short-distance trains covering routes within 200-300 km have been scheduled to cater to the needs of pilgrims.
Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Central Railway, Shashikant Tripathi, stated that these measures aim to ensure a smooth journey for all travellers.
Special Facilities for Visitors
- Tent City Accommodation: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has established a temporary tent city in Prayagraj, offering comfortable lodging options.
- Medical Assistance: Medical booths and small hospitals have been set up at major railway stations. Trained medical personnel will be available around the clock to address any health emergencies.
- Enhanced Safety Measures: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) will be deployed to manage crowds and ensure the safety of passengers.
Special Trains and Routes
Western Railway: Special Trains (98 Services)
Western Railway has introduced 98 special trains with an emphasis on passenger comfort, hygiene, and proper functioning of onboard facilities.
Una to Prayagraj Route
Special trains will run between January 17 and February 23, with halts at key stations including:
- Nangal Dam
- Anandpur Sahib
- Roop Nagar
- Chandigarh
- Ambala Cantt
- Yamunanagar Jagadhri
- Moradabad, Bareilly, Lucknow, and Rae Bareli
Coach Composition: 18 coaches, including sleeper, general, and AC three-tier compartments. The fare details are as follows:
- Sleeper Class: Rs 620
- AC Three-Tier: Rs 1,670
Bookings for these trains have already commenced, with general ticket bookings opening two hours before departure.
Jaynagar to Jhusi Route (Train No. 05285/05286)
The North Eastern Railway (NER) will run special services on January 10, 24, 31, February 1, and March 1, halting at:
- Madhubani
- Darbhanga
- Muzaffarpur
- Varanasi
Guntur to Azamgarh and Moula Ali to Gaya Routes
- Train 7701: Departs Guntur at 23:00 on January 24, and arrives in Azamgarh at 17:15 the next day.
- Train 7702: Departs Azamgarh at 19:45 on January 26, and reaches Guntur by 09:00 the following morning.
- Train 7707: Departs Moula Ali at 23:55, and arrives in Azamgarh at 17:15 the next day (running on January 18 and February 21).
- Train 7708: Returns from Azamgarh to Moula Ali on January 20 and February 23, departing at 19:45 and arriving at 07:30 the following day.
Additional Special Trains
- Train 7711: Departs from Moula Ali to Gaya on January 19 at 17:50, arriving at 09:00 the next morning.
- Train 7712: Returns from Gaya to Moula Ali on January 21, with a similar schedule.
- Train 7719: Departs Guntur at 14:20 on January 25, reaching Gaya at 09:00 the next morning.
- Train 7720: Returns from Gaya on January 27 at 14:15, reaching Guntur by 04:00 the following day.
- Train 7721: Departs Nanded to Patna on January 22 at 23:00, arriving at 10:30 the next morning.
- Train 7722: Returns from Patna to Nanded on January 24, departing at 15:30 and arriving at 04:30.
- Train 7725: Departs Kacheguda to Patna on January 25 at 16:45, reaching at 10:30 the next morning.
- Train 7726: Returns from Patna to Kacheguda on January 27, departing at 11:30 and arriving at 07:00 the following day.
Ring Rail Services
Special ring rail services have been arranged to connect key religious and cultural hubs:
- Prayagraj-Ayodhya-Varanasi-Prayagraj
- Prayagraj-Sangam Prayag-Jaunpur-Prayag-Prayagraj
- Govindpuri-Prayagraj-Chitrakoot-Govindpuri
- Jhansi-Govindpuri-Prayagraj-Manikpur-Chitrakoot-Jhansi
Maha Kumbh 2025 promises to be a grand religious event, and Indian Railways is fully prepared to cater to the unprecedented influx of devotees. With detailed planning, a robust transport network, and enhanced safety measures, pilgrims can look forward to a comfortable and spiritually enriching journey.
For detailed information on bookings and schedules, travellers are advised to visit the official IRCTC website or contact railway inquiry services. Safe travels and a blessed Maha Kumbh 2025!
Also Read: When Kumbh Mela start for the first time? And what is the history of Maha Kumbh