Preparations for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Underway in Prayagraj
The North Central Railway (NCR) has introduced a unique system to manage crowds during the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. This initiative aims to ensure passenger safety and avoid stampede-like situations. The system uses color-coded enclosures to guide passengers efficiently to their destinations.
At Prayagraj Junction Railway Station, extensive arrangements have been made to handle the massive influx of devotees. For instance, travelers from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh will have access to 64 and 42 special trains, respectively, with more trains added as needed during the 45-day event. NCR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Shashikant Tripathi explained that unreserved passengers will be directed to one of four colored enclosures: yellow, blue, red, and green. Passengers heading to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh will be directed to the yellow zone.
Each enclosure is equipped with basic amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and mobile charging stations. To assist passengers, 20 ticket counters have been set up in these zones, and volunteers will guide travelers to their trains. Each enclosure can accommodate up to 5,000 passengers at a time. Announcements will be made in 13 languages to ensure smooth communication.
To manage the high demand, NCR has expanded its ticketing capacity to process up to 10 lakh tickets daily. A four-stage power backup system has been installed to prevent power outages, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
For medical needs, first aid booths and observation rooms will be available across the station. A 24/7 toll-free helpline (1800-4199-139) and multilingual leaflets in 12 languages will provide additional support to passengers. Over 200 train rakes have been readied, and more than 13,000 trains, including 3,000 special trains, will operate during the event. This is a significant increase compared to the 694 trains during the 2019 Kumbh.
For the first time, eight Ring Rail services will run daily, connecting major religious destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Chitrakoot. To enhance security, all nine stations in Prayagraj are under surveillance, with 1,186 CCTV cameras installed, including 116 AI-enabled face recognition cameras. These cameras will help locate missing persons and monitor any suspicious activities.
Healthcare facilities have also been strengthened. A 10-bed mini-ICU with advanced equipment, including defibrillators, will operate around the clock. This facility will be staffed by 20 to 21 doctors, paramedics, and support staff. Additionally, 13,000 trained Railway Police Force personnel will be available to provide CPR in emergencies.
Reflecting on the success of the previous Kumbh Mela, where 20,000 patients were treated, NCR is confident that these comprehensive measures will ensure a safe and organized experience for the millions of pilgrims expected to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela.
