Maha Kumbh Maghi Purnima 2025: Railways running special trains to ensure smooth return of pilgrims, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday reviewed crowd management measures at eight railway stations in Prayagraj, as Indian Railways continues round-the-clock efforts to facilitate the return of pilgrims after the holy bath on Maghi Purnima.  

According to a ministry statement, Vaishnaw, who conducted the review in the war room at Rail Bhavan, directed officials to ensure the availability of trains in all directions and deploy additional services as required.  

पिछले तीन दिनों में महाकुंभ के सभी 8 स्टेशनों से 1,006 ट्रेनें संचालित की गईं, जिससे 41.67 लाख श्रद्धालुओं को सुविधा मिली।

आज सुबह से अब तक 188 ट्रेनें चलाई गई हैं और 10 लाख श्रद्धालुओं को सुविधा प्रदान की गई है। pic.twitter.com/I0Ln6HtZhz

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) February 12, 2025

"He also mentioned that the Prayagraj division has been directed to run extra trains as needed to ease passenger congestion while ensuring passenger comfort in the holding areas," the statement said.

As per the Mahakumbh Railway Information Bulletin, by 6 pm on Wednesday, 225 trains had been operated, facilitating the travel of over 12.46 lakh passengers. A day earlier, on February 11, a total of 343 trains transported more than 14.69 lakh passengers.  

To keep passengers informed, Indian Railways is continuously providing real-time updates through special bulletins, holding zones in the Mahakumbh area, railway stations, social media, and other media platforms.  

"For the convenience of passengers, four holding areas near Prayagraj junction railway station (each with a capacity of 5,000) have fully been operational," the ministry said.

"Additionally, a new holding area at Khusrobagh with a capacity 100,000 passengers has been operational today on the occasion of Maghi Purnima with Special arrangements for lodging, meals, and other essentials have been made so that waiting passengers can stay comfortably until they board their trains,"  the statement added.

The fourth major ritual bath, ‘Magh Purnima Snan,’ during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj saw a massive turnout of devotees for the holy dip. As per the state government, the footfall reached 1.95 crore by 8 pm on Wednesday, bringing the total attendance so far to over 48.29 crore. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, which began in Prayagraj on January 13, is set to conclude on February 26.