To ensure the smooth and efficient travel of millions of pilgrims attending the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has scheduled 60 special trains from 25 cities across Odisha, with 50 Kumbh Special Trains already successfully completing their journeys.
This initiative will facilitate seamless connectivity and uninterrupted travel for devotees heading to the holy city of Prayagraj, ensuring that they arrive safely and comfortably for the grand spiritual event.
Indian Railways has undertaken substantial efforts to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims traveling to Prayagraj. The special trains will be operated from key locations in Odisha, with services originating from cities including Puri, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Khurda Road, Brahmapur, and more.
The following trains have been scheduled to provide direct connectivity to Prayagraj:
- Trains from Puri _ Two pairs of trains 08417 & 08475 were provided between Puri and Tundla via Prayagraj.
- Trains from Bhubaneswar _ 08425 & 08467 Bhubaneswar-Tundla, 08417/08475 Puri-Tundla, 08462/08588 Visakhapatnam-Gorakhpur Special Trains.
- Trains from Khurda Road _ 08417/08475 Puri-Tundla, 08462/08588 Visakhapatnam-Gorakhpur Special Trains.
- Trains from Cuttack/Naraj Cuttack _ 08425 & 08467 Bhubaneswar-Tundla, 08417/08475 Puri-Tundla, 08462/08588 Visakhapatnam-Gorakhpur Special Trains.
- Trains from Brahmapur & Balugaon _ 08562/08588 Visakhapatnam-Gorakhpur Special Trains.
- Trains from Jajpur Keonjhar Road and Jakhapura _ 08425 & 08467 Bhubaneswar-Tundla, 08417/08475 Puri-Tundla, 08462/08588 Visakhapatnam-Gorakhpur Special Trains.
- Trains from Bhadrak, Baleswar & Jaleswar _ 08417/08475 Puri-Tundla.
- Trains from Kendujhargarh & Nayagarh_08425 & 08467 Bhubaneswar-Tundla.
- Trains from Dhenkanal, Angul, Boinda, Rairakhol, Sambalpur City _ 08562/08588 Visakhapatnam-Gorakhpur Special Trains.
- Trains from Rayagada, Kesinga, Kantabanji, Muniguda- 08530 Visakhapatnam-DDU
- Trains from Titilagarh, Balangir, Bargarh Road, Sambalpur _ 08530 Visakhapatnam-DDU & 08314 Titilagarh-Tundla Spl.
- Trains from Jharsuguda/Jharsuguda Road _08562/08588 Visakhapatnam-Gorakhpur Special Trains.
Altogether, the special train services will cover a wide geographic region across Odisha, ensuring that pilgrims from every part of the state are catered to.
Indian Railways has taken several measures to ensure a hassle-free and comfortable experience for devotees traveling to Prayagraj. Enhanced facilities such as newly constructed toilets, ample drinking water, and food courts are available at key railway stations in Prayagraj, including Prayagraj Junction and Prayagraj Chheoki.
To ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers, medical observation rooms and first-aid booths are strategically placed at stations, ready to assist in case of any emergencies. Dedicated Yatri Suvidha Kendras at Prayagraj Junction and Prayagraj Chheoki provide a wide range of services, including wheelchair assistance, luggage trolleys, hotel and taxi bookings, medicine distribution, baby milk, and other essentials.
A robust crowd management plan is in place to ensure a smooth flow of passengers during the Mahakumbh 2025. Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel have been deployed at all major stations to manage crowd movement and ensure safe boarding and deboarding. Additionally, a special RPF team has been assigned to ensure the safety of devotees throughout the journey.
CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations to monitor crowd movement, while multiple holding areas have been set up at stations. These holding areas are equipped with tents, food arrangements, and multilingual information displays to provide pilgrims with a comfortable waiting experience.
The operation of 60 special trains covering 25 cities across Odisha is a historic step by Indian Railways to accommodate the massive influx of devotees during the Mahakumbh 2025. With these efforts, Indian Railways continues to prioritize passenger convenience and safety, ensuring that millions of pilgrims can travel with ease and attend the Mahakumbh with full devotion.
