The closure of Prayagraj Sangam railway station until February 28, 2025, has significantly impacted travel plans for devotees attending the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Indian Railways made this decision following the recent New Delhi railway station stampede and the overwhelming surge of pilgrims traveling to Prayagraj for the holy event.
Why Prayagraj Sangam Railway Station is Closed?
Prayagraj Sangam railway station is one of the key railway stations in Prayagraj, especially for pilgrims heading to the Maha Kumbh Mela. Due to its proximity to Mahakumbh Nagar, it has been temporarily shut down to manage crowd control and ensure safety. However, the remaining eight railway stations, including Prayagraj Junction, Prayagraj Rambagh, and Naini, continue to operate to accommodate the increasing influx of devotees.
Traffic Congestion in Prayagraj Due to Maha Kumbh 2025
With the surge of pilgrims, Prayagraj is witnessing severe traffic congestion. Major areas such as Jhunsi, Phaphamau, and Naini Bridge have reported long traffic jams, causing delays for those trying to reach the Sangam. To control the situation, district authorities have set up checkpoints at key entry points of the city, particularly in Andawan, Navabganj, and Hathigan.
Increase in Foot Traffic as Devotees Walk to Sangam
Due to vehicle congestion, many pilgrims have opted to walk long distances to reach the Sangam for their holy dip in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. With walking proving to be a faster option than being stuck in traffic, thousands of devotees are trekking from the outskirts of the city to the riverbanks.
Impact on Train Services Due to Prayagraj Sangam Railway Station Closure
The shutdown of Prayagraj Sangam railway station has caused significant disruptions in train travel. Pilgrims and travelers are now relying on alternative railway stations in the city, leading to increased passenger loads, train delays, and overcrowding at other junctions. Many trains have either been rerouted or delayed due to the increased demand during the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Special Trains Launched for Maha Kumbh 2025
To ease travel concerns, Indian Railways has introduced 300 special trains dedicated to Maha Kumbh Mela. These trains are designed to accommodate the high volume of passengers traveling to and from Prayagraj. However, despite these additional services, train stations remain overwhelmed with travelers, and delays continue to be a challenge.
Security and Crowd Management at Prayagraj Sangam and Other Stations
To ensure the safety of pilgrims, extensive security measures have been put in place across Prayagraj. The Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed at major railway stations, foot over bridges, and passenger waiting areas to prevent any mishaps. Their primary goal is to manage the crowd effectively and ensure a safe environment for devotees.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Largest Religious Gathering in the World
Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the most significant religious events in Hinduism, occurring every twelve years. The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela commenced on January 13 and will continue until February 26, attracting an estimated 400 million devotees. This sacred event symbolizes spiritual purification, with pilgrims taking a holy dip at the Sangam, believing it to cleanse sins and grant liberation.
FAQs About Prayagraj Sangam Railway Station and Maha Kumbh 2025
1. Why is Prayagraj Sangam railway station closed?
Prayagraj Sangam railway station has been temporarily closed until February 28, 2025, due to safety concerns following the New Delhi railway station stampede and the massive influx of Maha Kumbh pilgrims.
2. What are the alternative railway stations in Prayagraj?
Travelers can use alternative stations such as Prayagraj Junction, Prayagraj Rambagh, Prayagraj Chheoki, Naini, Subedarganj, Prayag, Phaphamau, and Jhunsi.
3. How is the closure of Prayagraj Sangam railway station affecting travelers?
The closure has led to overcrowding at other railway stations, train delays, and rerouted services. Many travelers are experiencing difficulty in reaching Prayagraj due to high passenger loads.
4. Are there any special train services for Maha Kumbh 2025?
Yes, Indian Railways has introduced 300 special trains to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims traveling to Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh 2025.
5. What security measures are in place at railway stations in Prayagraj?
Security has been heightened with the deployment of RPF, GRP, CRPF, and PAC forces at key railway stations, foot over bridges, and passenger areas to manage crowds and ensure safety.
6. How are pilgrims reaching the Sangam if traffic is congested?
Many devotees are choosing to walk from the city’s outskirts to the riverbanks, as walking is proving to be a faster and more reliable option due to heavy vehicle congestion.
7. When will Prayagraj Sangam railway station reopen?
The station is scheduled to reopen on February 28, 2025, after the peak period of Maha Kumbh Mela concludes.
Conclusion
The closure of Prayagraj Sangam railway station has caused major disruptions in travel during Maha Kumbh 2025. Despite alternative transportation options and additional train services, the influx of pilgrims continues to strain railway operations and city infrastructure. Authorities are working to manage the situation with increased security, special train services, and traffic regulations to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience. As the Maha Kumbh Mela progresses, travelers are advised to plan ahead and use alternative routes to reach their destination efficiently.
