Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, during his two-day visit to Prayagraj, inspected the Mela Camps located at the Sangam area on the occasion of Maha Kumbh 2025. Divisional Railway Manager of Prayagraj, Shri Himanshu Badoni, and other officials were also present during the inspection.

The Union Minister reviewed the Mela Camp set up in the Sangam area to facilitate the pilgrims visiting for Maha Kumbh 2025. During the inspection, the Minister interacted with the passengers and inquired about their well-being. He also took feedback from the staff working at the ticket counters and inquiry centers about the available facilities. The Minister appreciated the staff for their excellent work in providing service and assistance during the Maha Kumbh. During the visit, he also spoke to the passengers waiting in line for tickets at the Mela Camp and gathered their feedback on the railway services and arrangements. The passengers highly appreciated the railway's arrangements.

In a conversation with the media at the Mela Camp, the Union Minister said that the railway had been preparing for the convenience and service of the pilgrims for the past three years. During Maha Kumbh 2025, the railways will operate over 13,000 trains, including over 3,100 special trains and 10,000 regular trains. He emphasized that Maha Kumbh is a historic event for both the country and the railways. Railway officials and staff are working day and night with full capacity and dedication. He also mentioned that the successful organization of Maha Kumbh 2025 was made possible under the capable leadership of the  Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He commended the efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government in this regard.

Shri Somanna, conducted an inspection of Prayagraj Junction station yesterday. During his visit, he reviewed the medical observation room, medical booth, passenger shelters, and the Mela tower. He also reviewed the preparations for the Maha Kumbh's largest holy bath festival, scheduled for Mauni Amavasya. Prayagraj Division has planned to operate over 150 Mela Special Trains on this day, setting a new record for Indian Railways.

The Maha Kumbh-2025 began in Prayagraj on January 13 with the holy bath on Paush Purnima. On Makar Sankranti, the first Amrit Snan (holy bath) of the Maha Kumbh witnessed participation from over 3.5 crore pilgrims at the holy Sangam, exceeding expectations. So far, more than 9 crore devotees have participated in the sacred baths of the Maha Kumbh.

The grand and divine Maha Kumbh-2025 has been breaking all records for pilgrim participation. On the first Amrit Snan of Makar Sankranti, over 3.5 crore devotees bathed at the Sangam, supported by the operation of 101 Mela Special Trains by the Prayagraj Division, which was a record in itself. Following the same pattern, the Railways  is making comprehensive preparations for the largest Amrit Snan of Mauni Amavasya. The Mela Authority estimates that over 10 crore pilgrims will take the holy dip at the Sangam on this day, with 10-20% of them expected to arrive by train. Indian Railways has made comprehensive arrangements to facilitate their travel, including color-coded tickets and additional shelter areas to ensure smooth boarding and deboarding processes. 

During the Mauni Amavasya Festival, Indian Railways has made extensive preparations to facilitate the holy snan (bath). On this day, over 150 Mela Special Trains will be operated, ensuring smooth travel for the large number of pilgrims expected to arrive. Most of these trains will originate from Prayagraj Junction, while other stations in the division will also operate special trains in different directions. Regular train services will also run as per their schedules. Operating more than 150 special trains from a single station in one day will be a record in itself. During Kumbh 2019, around 85 Mela Special Trains were operated on Mauni Amavasya, which is 65 more than the number of special trains operated during previous occasions.

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Dharmendra Tewari/ Shatrunjay Kumar