1,609 crore railway development for Maha Kumbh Mela; over 13,000 train services

PRAYAGRAJ: Railways with big plans in connection with the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where more than forty-five crore pilgrims are expected to arrive. 1609 crore worth projects are being implemented in Prayagraj and major stations including Varanasi.

It is estimated that more than six crore people will depend on trains to reach Maha Kumbh Mela. Maha Kumbh Mela is from 13th January to 26th February. More than 13,000 trains will be operated from various centres of the country. There will be more than 3,134 special services.

1400 CC TV cameras and 200 face recognition cameras have been installed at the stations. 24 hours surveillance system in the surveillance room at Prayagraj junction station.

Additional platforms, ticket counters, inquiry booths, digital information systems, etc. were also implemented at Prayagraj Junction, Naini, Jhusi and Phaphamau stations. The upgradation of nine stations was also implemented. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the projects to the nation at a ceremony held in Prayagraj.

Two lane bridge of 1.9 km

As the single railway bridge connecting Varanasi and Prayagraj became outdated, a new 1.9 km double-lane railway bridge was constructed across the Ganga. The number of tracks has been increased at nearby stations. More trains can reach the holy land simultaneously.

Major Projects

(Amount spent in Crores)

Doubling of Jhusi-Prayagraj track........................................ 850

Construction of Seven Over Bridge......................................375

Construction of three underpasses...................................... 40

Development of infrastructure at seven places.................... 226

Electronic Interlocking at Prayag Junction Station................88

"The facilities have given importance to safety and health. Volunteers and medical teams will be present at the stations during the pilgrimage period."

- Shashi Kant Tripathi,

CPRO, North Central Railway