Prayagraj: Over 40 crore pilgrims from across the country and abroad are expected to attend the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela. The mega event which will start from January 13, will go on till February 26. The authorities have also devised a plan for safe and smooth experience of the pilgrims.
The mega event, which is held every 12 years will be held at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. The over 40-day event will attract various spiritual, cultural, and tourists.
Crowd management a big subject: Official
“The administration has given us an estimate that around 40 crore people will reach during the Kumbh Mela. Crowd management is a big subject for us,” Shashikant Tripathi, Chief Public Relations Officer, North Central Railway, said while speaking to news agency ANI.
He added, “People’s movement will be kept unidirectional to avoid crisscrossing. Passengers will be taken to ‘Yatri-Kendra’ before going to their respective platforms to avoid confusion and unnecessary congestion.”
Indian Railways to run nearly 13,000 trains
The official further noted that Indian Railways will run 13,000 trains, which include 10,000 regular ones and 3,000 special services, to control the huge crowd in the holy city. “During the Kumbh Mela, we will run 13,000 trains. There are around 700 Mela special trains for long-distance. Around 1,800 short-distance trains will operate for 200-300 kms. We are also running a ring rail for those who want to go to Chitrakoot, Banaras, and Ayodhya, including Prayagraj,” the official further added. In the meantime, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)held a mock drill with local agencies for a smooth organisation of the event, a statement shared by it said.
