Bengaluru: The Ministry of Railways (MoR) has announced an extensive plan to run 992 special trains to accommodate the anticipated influx of devotees traveling to the Kumbh Mela in 2025.
In view of passengers’ demand, the South Western Railway (SWR) has also announced to operate a special one-way express train (06215) from Mysuru to Danapur Express Special to serve the Kumbh-bound devotees.
Train No. 06207 Mysuru-Danapur Express Special will depart from Mysuru at 4:30 p.m. on January 18, 2025, February 15, 2025, and March 1, 2025 (Saturdays), and will reach Danapur at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays.
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Train No. 06208 Danapur-Mysuru Express Special will depart from Danapur at 1.45 am on January 22, 2025, February 19, and March 5, 2025 (Wednesdays), and will arrive at Mysuru at 3 p.m. on Friday, said the release.
One Train No. 06215 Mysuru–Prayagraj Kumbh Express Special has already departed from Mysuru at 00:30 hrs on December 23, 2024, and reached Prayagraj at 3:00 hrs on December 25, 2024. The Railway Board will be again operating special trains between Mysuru and Danapur stations of three trips in each direction to manage the extra rush of pilgrims and passengers during the Kumbh Mela which will be held at Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025, a press release noted.
The train’s composition includes one AC Two-Tier Coach, two AC Three-Tier Coaches, nine Sleeper Class Coaches, four General Second-Class Coaches, and two SLR/D Coaches, ensuring options for a wide range of passengers. This move is expected to ease the travel stress for devotees heading to one of India’s largest religious congregations.
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Bengaluru-based commuter Ravi Kumar, a 45-year-old businessman who has been planning a trip to the Kumbh Mela with his family, expressed his excitement about the new service. “The special train is a blessing for us. I had been worried about booking tickets during this peak travel time, but now we have a direct and comfortable option. This shows how much the Railways is considering the needs of devotees.”
The Kumbh Mela, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage event, draws millions of devotees from across the globe to bathe in the sacred rivers. The Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, held at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, is particularly significant and attracts enormous crowds.
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Railway officials have assured that additional measures are being implemented to manage the rush efficiently. “These special trains are part of our commitment to ensuring seamless travel for pilgrims. We are working closely with local authorities to manage crowd control and ensure passenger safety,” said a senior SWR official.
With this special service, the railways is not only addressing logistical challenges but also enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees by providing a reliable and comfortable journey. The move has been widely appreciated, and bookings for the special train are expected to open shortly.
For many, the addition of these services underscores the Railways’ dedication to connecting people and facilitating cultural and religious participation.
