Special Measures For Special Occasions: Indian Railways To Announce 800 Trains For Kumbh Mela In Prayagraj

In order to facilitate a large number of pilgrims who are coming to attend the Kumbh Mela in 2019, Indian Railways has proposed running 800 special trains from various stations of Prayagraj, an official has been quoted as saying by Deccan Herald.

“Six special trains will come to Prayagraj from different railway zones of the country for pilgrims and tourists participating in the Kumbh Mela,” says Amit Malviya- PRO North Central Railway (NCR). The trains would be an addition NCR to the regular trains run by the North Central Railway (NCR).

Malviya added that the railways planned to operate four to five special trains to carry Pravasi Bhartiyas from Praygraj to New Delhi. They, after attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Varanasi, would be attending the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The Pravasi Bhartiyas shall also be taken to New Delhi for Republic Day celebrations.

He also said branding of the Kumbh Mela will be done on 1,400 coaches of special trains and the originating trains of the NCR with attractive images of the Mela and landmark structures of the city to take the message about the religious gathering across the country.

"The railways have given space for 'Paint My City' initiative at its stations and residential colonies which is another big branding exercise for the Kumbh Mela,” said Malviya. Furthermore, the PRO stated that Kumbh Mela’s branding should be done on 1,400 coaches of the special train.