Indian Railways will operate hundreds of ‘Mela Special’ trains between January 13 and February 26, 2025 to ferry passengers from various locations across the country to Prayagraj for the Kumbh Mela.
According to railway sources, the Railway Board has set a target of 150 rakes comprising Integral Coach Factory (ICF)-designed coaches to start from almost all regions to Prayagraj. Southern Railway, Western Railway and Northern Railway will contribute a maximum of 15 rakes each. A total of 300 locomotives will be deployed for the ‘Mela Special’ train operation.
352 round trips
In total, 352 round trips are planned, of which a maximum of 127 journeys originate from the East Central Railway. Mostly these special trains will have electric locomotives on both sides to avoid congestion due to shunting at Prayagraj. Senior railway officials have been asked to mobilize rakes, locomotives and manpower, without affecting scheduled fare and passenger train operations.
published – December 18, 2024 at 10:19 am IST