New Delhi: The Railway authorities on Tuesday said that on the eve of Maha Shivaratri special arrangements have been undertaken by railways to run more than 350 additional trains from Prayagraj to facilitate the return of pilgrims following the final Amrit Snan of Mahakumbh 2025 on February 26.
A large congregation of devotees from across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal has gathered at the Sangam, leading to an unprecedented demand for transportation.
Over the past two days, railway stations across multiple cities, including Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Jabalpur, and Ranchi, have witnessed heavy footfall. As lakhs of pilgrims prepare to return home, the railway administration has mobilized all resources to ensure smooth and efficient operations, added the statement.
In view of the anticipated rush, North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway, and Northern Railway have been directed to remain on high alert. Previously, on Mouni Amavasya, over 360 special trains were deployed to transport more than 20 lakh passengers safely. A similar plan has been implemented for Maha Shivaratri, with extra rakes positioned near Prayagraj for emergency use.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is personally monitoring the situation, with Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, Satish Kumar, overseeing on-ground operations. General Managers from the three railway zones are coordinating efforts to manage the surge in passengers. The Railway Minister has also instructed officials to introduce additional special trains if required.