Prayagraj: Devotees planning to attend Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj in January next year will not be eligible to free travel on trains or toll-free passage on national highways. Both Indian Railways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have issued statements debunking media reports suggesting such provisions.
The Ministry of Railways on Wednesday released a statement addressing “misleading reports” about free train journeys for Maha Kumbh Mela attendees. The statement categorically denied these claims, stating that they are baseless and have no factual foundation.
What Ministry of Railways said
The statement read, “Indian Railways strictly prohibits traveling without a valid ticket, which is a punishable offense under existing regulations. There are no provisions for free travel during the Maha Kumbh Mela or any other occasion.”
The statement comes in response to media reports claiming that Indian Railways would allow devotees to travel free of charge to Prayagraj for the event. Railways urged the public to disregard such misinformation and comply with ticketing rules to avoid penalties.
NHAI refutes toll-free commute claims
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had issued a statement earlier in the week to counter claims of toll-free passage for vehicles heading to the Kumbh Mela. In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), NHAI confirmed that no such proposal exists.
“Reports suggesting toll-free passage for ‘Kumbh Mela’-bound vehicles on national highways at Prayagraj are incorrect. User fees on National Highways are collected as per the National Highway Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. Exemptions are only provided under specific guidelines,” the NHAI stated.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: What to expect?
Maha Kumbh Mela will begin on January 13, 2025, with Paush Purnima Snan and end on February 26, 2025. The event is expected to draw an unprecedented 40 crore devotees, surpassing the 25 crore footfall recorded during the 2019 Kumbh Mela.
There will be six key bathing dates when the highest number of devotees is expected to participate:
- Paush Purnima (January 13)
- Makar Sankranti (January 14)
- Mauni Amavasya (January 29)
- Basant Panchami (February 3)
- Maghi Purnima (February 12)
- Maha Shivratri (February 26)
Among these, three dates—Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami—are designated as Shahi Snan (royal baths).
