KKN Gurugram Desk |  As the Mahakumbh 2025 witnesses an unprecedented influx of devotees, the Indian Railways has devised an ‘Evacuation Plan’ to manage the overwhelming crowd at Prayagraj. With millions of pilgrims arriving at the Triveni Sangam to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya, the city is experiencing an extreme surge in visitors.

On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, over 3.5 crore devotees have already performed their ritualistic bath in the sacred waters, with an estimated 8-10 crore people expected to take a dip by the end of the day. Considering the massive gathering, the Railways is deploying empty trains at short intervals to facilitate the safe and smooth departure of pilgrims from Prayagraj.

Let’s take a look at the Railway Ministry’s special evacuation plan and how it aims to streamline travel arrangements for Mahakumbh pilgrims.

Indian Railways’ Mahakumbh 2025 Evacuation Plan

With unprecedented crowding at Prayagraj railway stations, Indian Railways has initiated a well-coordinated evacuation plan to transport devotees to their respective destinations without delays or congestion.

Key Highlights of the Evacuation Plan:

• No Special Trains Have Been Cancelled: Unlike previous years, no special trains have been canceled, ensuring that the transportation network remains fully operational.
• Deployment of Empty Trains: Several empty trains are being sent to Prayagraj to handle the outflow of passengers.
• High Frequency of Train Services: Trains will depart from Prayagraj every 4 minutes, allowing passengers to leave the city quickly and safely.
• More than 360 Trains in Operation: Indian Railways has announced that over 360 trains will run from different railway stations in Prayagraj to various parts of the country.

Railway Ministry’s Official Statement

The Railway Ministry has assured devotees that ample transport facilities are available for their convenience. A ministry spokesperson stated:

“To ensure a smooth departure of pilgrims from Prayagraj, the Indian Railways has planned to operate over 360 trains from different stations in the region. The aim is to regulate passenger movement effectively and prevent overcrowding at stations. Our goal is to maintain an efficient and hassle-free transportation system during Mahakumbh 2025.”

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also reviewed the situation and confirmed that Indian Railways is fully prepared to transport devotees to their respective destinations without delays.

Massive Gathering at Mahakumbh 2025: Record-Breaking Attendance

The Mahakumbh 2025 is witnessing one of the largest religious gatherings in history. On January 29, more than 3.5 crore people have already taken a dip in the Triveni Sangam. As per reports, the total number of pilgrims participating in the holy bath has already reached 19.94 crore as of January 28, 2025.

With Mauni Amavasya being one of the most significant bathing days, officials estimate that by the end of the day, the total count could cross 8-10 crore pilgrims.

Why Is Indian Railways’ Evacuation Plan Crucial?

Given the staggering footfall at Mahakumbh 2025, crowd management has become a critical challenge. Large gatherings can lead to stampedes and logistical bottlenecks, especially at transportation hubs like railway stations.

Key Reasons Behind the Evacuation Plan:

1. Avoiding Overcrowding at Railway Stations – With millions of devotees trying to leave Prayagraj at the same time, ensuring a steady flow of trains is essential.
2. Minimizing the Risk of Stampedes – A well-organized train departure system prevents chaos and accidents at crowded railway stations.
3. Ensuring Safe and Timely Departure – The 4-minute train departure schedule allows passengers to board without long waiting periods.
4. Providing Smoother Travel Experiences – Pilgrims can reach their destinations comfortably and safely, reducing strain on other public transport.

Security and Surveillance at Prayagraj Railway Stations

To ensure the safety and smooth departure of passengers, Indian Railways, in coordination with local authorities, has implemented multiple security measures, including:

• Deployment of Additional RPF (Railway Protection Force) Personnel at all major stations.
• Real-time Monitoring with CCTV Cameras across railway platforms.
• Announcement Systems & Signages to guide passengers to their designated trains.
• Separate Entry and Exit Gates to regulate passenger movement effectively.
• Dedicated Queues for Senior Citizens and Women for added safety.

Helicopter Surveillance and Administrative Monitoring

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been personally monitoring the crowd situation at Mahakumbh 2025. Helicopter surveillance is also being conducted to track high-density areas and ensure that emergency responses are swift.

The state government and railway authorities are working in coordination to prevent any major incidents during this historic gathering.

Future Travel Arrangements for Mahakumbh 2025

Indian Railways has confirmed that more special trains will be added if required to accommodate the growing number of devotees. The authorities will continue to monitor crowd movement and adjust train schedules accordingly.

What Pilgrims Should Keep in Mind:

• Check updated train schedules before heading to the railway station.
• Arrive well in advance to avoid last-minute rush.
• Follow security guidelines and listen to official announcements.
• Prefer designated pilgrim waiting areas for hassle-free boarding.

The Indian Railways’ evacuation plan for Mahakumbh 2025 is a strategic and much-needed initiative to ensure the safe and smooth departure of millions of devotees. With over 360 trains operating from Prayagraj, frequent departures every 4 minutes, and enhanced security measures, authorities are making every possible effort to prevent overcrowding and ensure efficient travel arrangements.

As the world’s largest religious gathering continues, transportation management remains a key challenge, but Indian Railways’ proactive approach is ensuring that pilgrims can return home safely after experiencing the spiritual grandeur of Mahakumbh 2025.