Prayagraj Mahakumbh: West Central Railway Handles Massive Crowd with Double Train Services
West Central Railway Ensures Smooth Train Operations Amid Mahakumbh Rush
Jabalpur – During the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, the West Central Railway (WCR) efficiently managed the surge in passenger traffic while keeping trains running on schedule. This punctuality helped create space on the railway tracks for additional trains. By successfully operating double the usual number of trains, WCR made it easier for devotees to reach Prayagraj. Their strategy has now become a model for other railway zones. Going forward, whenever festivals or fairs lead to a spike in passenger numbers, other railway zones will follow WCR’s approach for train management. Preparations for this are already underway. Additionally, WCR’s crowd management at key stations ensured that there were no chaotic situations despite the heavy rush.
Twice the Trains to Handle the Rush
The Jabalpur and Bhopal divisions of WCR connect Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and several southern states to Prayagraj via the Katni-Manikpur route. On regular days, around 100-125 passenger trains operate on this route. However, during Mahakumbh, this number increased to 200-250 trains daily. By running both regular and special trains on time, WCR managed to accommodate additional trains on the tracks, making it the busiest railway zone during the Mahakumbh.
Early Planning and Coordination
Anticipating the surge in passengers and considering Prayagraj’s proximity, WCR pre-arranged additional train rakes. They also identified trains with lower passenger numbers, ensuring that whenever the crowd increased, extra train rakes could be deployed immediately. This helped maintain a smooth flow of train services. To manage crowds effectively, temporary waiting areas of 3,000-4,000 square feet were set up outside key stations like Satna, Maihar, and Katni. These areas were equipped with drinking water, toilets, medical assistance, and other essential facilities. With these amenities available outside, passengers waited there instead of overcrowding platforms. As a result, entry to platforms was regulated, preventing any disorder or congestion.
