Maha Kumbh Mela: Nearly 1 Lakh pilgrims from Odisha to be facilitated by East Coast Railway

East Coast Railway (ECoR) announced on Monday the deployment of seven special trains to accommodate pilgrims travelling to this year’s Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. This initiative aims to provide seamless connectivity from different parts of Odisha to the sacred event.

The trains are scheduled for a total of at least 60 journeys, collectively facilitating the travel of approximately 100,000 pilgrims from the State.

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The chief public relations officer of ECoR affirmed that the train schedules are meticulously planned to ensure arrival at Prayagraj ahead of the scheduled holy dip ceremonies, allowing devotees to participate in the revered Sahi Snan.

“East Coast Railway has made elaborate arrangements for seven pairs of special trains from Odisha. Those special trains will have as many as 60 trips. The routes have been planned in such a manner as to cover the maximum number of districts that have rail heads,” the ECoR CPRO Ashok Kumar Mishra said.

Worth mentioning, on the auspicious timing of Paush Purnima, Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj witnessed lakhs of saints, seers, and devotees taking the holy dip (sacred bath) today, with the event expected to attract over 45 crore visitors this year.

The iconic Maha Kumbh Mela began in Uttar Pradesh, with millions of pilgrims taking a dip in the hallowed waters where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. The Paush Purnima is a day of special significance for this holy congregation.

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To manage such vast numbers, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented meticulous planning and strict security protocols to safeguard attendees. Authorities have established 102 checkpoints, staffed by multiple security agencies, and have deployed around 2,700 AI surveillance cameras across the city, including 113 underwater drones.

The initial holy dip was scheduled for 5.03 AM. Saints followed by throngs of holy seekers took the sacred dip. Subsequent five occasions for the sacred baths are on the key days, including Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Magh Purnima, and Maha Shivaratri.