Mahakumbh 2025: Railways ready 400 special trains for over 15L devotees on Mauni Amavasya
To manage the post-Amavasya crowd, over 100 additional trains will be deployed. Furthermore, ring rail services have been introduced on key routes like Rambagh-Jhusi-Banaras-Bhadohi to ensure smooth travel for the millions of visitors.
The Indian Railways is bracing for a record influx of over 15 lakh passengers heading to Prayagraj for Mauni Amavasya, with devotees flocking to take the Amrit Snan (holy dip) on January 29. In preparation, extensive measures are in place, including the deployment of 400 special trains to accommodate the massive crowd, said officials on Monday.

To manage the post-Amavasya crowd, over 100 additional trains will be deployed, along with ring rail services on key routes like Rambagh-Jhusi-Banaras-Bhadohi.
Safety measures are heightened with the introduction of AI-based CCTV cameras, sniffer dogs, and bomb disposal squads stationed across key areas. Extensive drills with national disaster response force (NDRF), railway protection force (RPF), and government railway police (GRP) have been conducted to prepare for any emergencies, ensuring rapid deployment of responders.
Sanjay Singh, additional divisional railway manager of North Central Railways, emphasised the need to distribute passengers evenly across the 9 stations to prevent overcrowding. He mentioned the use of signages, announcements, and pamphlets in the Mela and city areas, with strict adherence to traffic plans for smooth movement.
Additional arrangements include the cancellation, diversion, or short termination of 86 trains on peak days to make way for Mela specials. More than 200 trains by NCR and over 400 trains across all railways are scheduled for Mauni Amavasya, he informed.
The Prayagraj division sees a unique collaboration between three railway zones—Northern Railway (NR), North Eastern Railway (NER), and North Central Railway (NCR). Together, they are working on contingency plans to manage the massive passenger flow during Mauni Amavasya.
Northern Railway (Lucknow Division) has taken a leading role in organising these operations. Over 48 special trains will operate during the peak period, with additional services scheduled based on demand. The division is also launching ring rail services across crucial routes like Rambagh-Jhusi-Banaras-Bhadohi and Sultanpur-Maa Belha Devi Dham-Pratapgarh to facilitate smoother travel across the region.
Divisional railway manager (Northern Railways), SM Sharma, informed that the stations at Prayag Junction, Phaphamau, and Prayagraj Sangam have been equipped with enhanced passenger amenities. These include multilingual assistance counters, medical facilities, mobile charging points, AC waiting rooms, dedicated areas for lost and found, ticketing, and coach guidance systems.
With the potential for large crowds, extensive safety measures are in place to prevent stampedes and other emergencies. Several mock drills have been conducted, involving the NDRF, RPF, GRP, and local authorities. These drills simulated emergency scenarios like stampedes, medical crises, and fire outbreaks to ensure all stakeholders are prepared.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has underscored the importance of smooth rail operations. Following the success of Makar Sankranti, he said that mela special trains should operate throughout the day to meet the demand for travel after the holy dip. To avoid congestion, the CM recommended separating the platforms for routine trains and special trains and diverting or cancelling regular services wherever possible.
North Central Railway (Prayagraj Division) is also making significant strides to manage the surge in passengers. DRM Prayagraj, Himansu Badoni, announced that over 100 special trains will be operational on the day after Mauni Amavasya, with an additional 100 trains added based on demand.
Infrastructure improvements in Prayagraj have been prioritised, with the number of platforms at key stations increasing from 40 to 48, DRM Prayagraj said. The capacity of passenger shelters has been upgraded, now able to accommodate up to 1.3 lakh people. Additionally, waiting rooms, sleeping pods, executive lounges, and other facilities have been bolstered, ensuring that passengers have a comfortable and seamless experience.
