Railways invested Rs 5,000 cr for Maha Kumbh 2025, Minister says, "We have been preparing for three years"

New Delhi [India], January 12 (ANI): Ahead of the Maha Kumbh 2025, which begins on Monday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Sunday that the Railways has invested Rs 5000 crores over the last three years to enhance the infrastructure for the festival, including new platforms, doubled railway lines, and improved facilities to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.
"In the last three years, we have been preparing for the Maha Kumbh, and railways have invested about Rs 5,000 crores in creating new infrastructure and improving the existing infrastructure. This includes doubling of the lines, creating new platforms, and high-quality holding areas. A new bridge has also been constructed on the Ganga Ji," Vaishnaw told reporters.
He further explained that a "war room" has been set up at Prayagraj junction station and a similar one at the railway board. This war room will operate 24/7 and monitor all railway movements. He emphasized the coordination between railway police and state police during the event.
"The arrangements are scientific in nature. We have created colour codes for the holding areas. Passengers simply need to follow the colour code for the direction they should move in. We have also published booklets in 22 languages and the announcements will be made in 12 Indian languages so passengers from across the country can understand them," he added.
In addition, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who is also the MP from Udhampur, said on Sunday that railway authorities have planned three special trains between Katra and Prayagraj for the convenience of pilgrims attending the religious event.
The first special train will depart from Katra Shri Mata Vaishno Devi railway station on January 24, heading to Prayagraj, and return on January 26.
"Pleased to share that Railway Authorities have planned 3 Special Trains to and fro #Katra-Prayagraj for convenience of those attending the #Mahakumbh. First Special Train has been finalised for 24/01/2025 which will leave Katra Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station for Prayagraj and return from #Prayagraj to Katra on 26/01/2025. The exact timings are as follow..." Singh wrote in a post on X.
"From SVDK dep 03:50 Hrs PRYJ, arrival 05:45 Hrs on 25.1.2025; Return PRYJ 03:15 Hrs on 26.01.2025, SVDK arrival 05:05 Hrs on 27.01.2025. The schedule of the next two trains will be intimated in course of time," added the post.
North Central Railway (NCR) has also made elaborate arrangements to handle the huge influx of pilgrims for the Maha Kumbh, with plans include operating over 300 trains, including 80 special services, to ensure efficient transportation for devotees arriving in Prayagraj. (ANI)