The upcoming Maha Kumbh in 2025, set to take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is anticipated to be one of the largest and most extravagant gatherings in recent years. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently invited saints and religious leaders from across the country to a gathering in Kurukshetra, emphasizing that this Maha Kumbh will be historic in both scale and splendor, potentially setting new records for attendance and participation.
The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh will begin from January 13, 2025 and will continue till February 26. This time too, there will be three royal baths in the Maha Kumbh. This decision has been taken in a meeting of administrative officials and saints on Saturday. Now CM Yogi Adityanath will make a formal announcement about it. Kumbh Mela Officer Vijay Kiran Anand said that so far the government has approved schemes worth more than two and a half thousand crores.
Infrastructure Upgrades by Indian Railways
In anticipation of the massive influx of pilgrims, Indian Railways is working intensively to enhance transportation facilities. The railway infrastructure is being expanded, with new trains and stations being introduced to accommodate the expected surge in visitors.
Additionally, critical upgrades are underway to fortify the railway network. For instance, a new bridge on the Varanasi-Prayagraj route, specifically between Daraganj and Jhusi, is nearing completion. The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is overseeing the construction of this bridge, which will alleviate crowd pressure and streamline the movement of pilgrims during the Kumbh. Only track laying and ballast placement remain, and the bridge is expected to be operational shortly.
Modern Technology Bridge to Improve Rail Connectivity
The newly constructed rail bridge, which spans approximately 2,700 meters and costs an estimated ₹495 crore, promises to be a vital addition to Prayagraj’s transportation network. Project Director Vinay Agarwal noted that this bridge, designed with modern technology, will feature double tracks, enabling continuous two-way traffic and significantly reducing wait times for trains traveling on the Prayagraj Rambagh-Varanasi line. Until now, only a single rail bridge was available on this route, necessitating lengthy stops at Jhunsi and Rambagh stations to allow trains to pass.
During peak bathing festivals associated with the Kumbh, the government has proposed a plan to divert pilgrims from Varanasi directly to Jhusi station, where they will be transported to the Kumbh area. Additionally, a designated holding area is being established at the Jhunsi station to accommodate the high volume of passengers. Outside of festival periods, the bridge will play an essential role in the smooth operation of trains along this corridor.
Record-Breaking Attendance Expected
Officials estimate that more than 40 crore devotees will journey to Prayagraj to participate in the Maha Kumbh and bathe in the sacred waters of the Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. Given this massive turnout, both the state government and the central government are dedicated to ensuring that infrastructure improvements meet the needs of devotees and tourists alike.
An estimated 10 crore devotees are expected to arrive by train alone, making rail connectivity an essential focus. Prayagraj’s unique geographical layout, with the Ganga on two sides and the Yamuna on the third, makes rail and road transport crucial in managing the flow of pilgrims efficiently. To accommodate this influx, the new bridge on the Ganga will streamline the travel experience for devotees coming from various parts of the country.
Significance of the Maha Kumbh and the Sangam
The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj holds immense historical, spiritual, and mythological significance. Every year, Hindu pilgrims gather at the Sangam to cleanse themselves in the sacred waters, a tradition that becomes even more pronounced during the Maha Kumbh. The construction of the new rail bridge over the Ganga is one among several initiatives to make Prayagraj more accessible to pilgrims, reflecting the commitment to preserving and enhancing the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
With enhanced transportation facilities and extensive infrastructure development, the Maha Kumbh 2025 is expected to set new benchmarks in terms of scale, organization, and attendance. As preparations progress, the efforts made by Indian Railways, along with state and central government initiatives, underscore the importance of the Maha Kumbh and aim to provide devotees with a seamless and meaningful experience.