As Mahakumbh reaches its final stage, Pune railway division adopts strict measures for crowd management

Sahay added that more than 200 passengers were crammed into B3 coach, with groups holding onto five seats each. “As the train reached Buxar, people outside started throwing stones, breaking one window of our AC coach and one of the toilet. We called the RPF personnel, but no one came to help. Even the bathrooms were packed with people,” he said.

After reaching Pune, Sahay consulted an orthopedic specialist, who confirmed his rib fractures. His experience highlights the ongoing struggles passengers are facing amid the massive rush for Mahakumbh Mela.

To prevent passengers from facing similar ordeals and to avoid stampede-like situations, such as the recent tragedy at Delhi railway station that claimed 18 lives, the Pune Railway division announced stricter security measures that came into effect on Sunday (February 16) for the Pune-Danapur trains.

As the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj reaches its final stages, the influx of devotees from across India continues to grow. Railway officials stated that with the surge in passengers travelling for Mahakumbh, comprehensive security measures, such as deployment of security escorts before boarding and an increased number of ticket inspectors inside trains, have been implemented. Special trains have been introduced, along with additional security arrangements to assist pilgrims onboard.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has increased surveillance at stations. Twenty RPF personnel, along with a nodal officer, have been assigned to manage the situation. Additionally, the number of ticket inspectors has been increased to 16 per train.
Tighter boarding regulations

P.B. Ubale, RPF sub-inspector at Pune station, said separate queues are being arranged for general compartment ticket holders. He emphasized that only passengers with confirmed tickets will be allowed to board.

“On Sunday, once the compartment reached full capacity, additional passengers were turned away. Many attempted to board sleeper, second-class, and third-class AC coaches instead. Security personnel were deployed to check and remove such passengers. RPF officers were stationed along the platform until the last coach departed to maintain order,” he said.

“The Pune RPF has implemented a detailed security plan to ensure safe travel. There is a continuous rush of passengers to Prayagraj, and we have taken additional steps to enhance security for northbound trains,” added Ubale.

Several videos circulating on social media show passengers damaging trains, throwing stones, pouring water on commuters, and dangerously hanging from train doors. To address these concerns, railway officials have assured that general ticket holders will not be allowed to forcibly occupy reserved seats. Ticket inspections will be conducted at stations to prevent unauthorized travel.

Trains Towards Prayagraj

Currently, seven trains under the Pune division are operating towards Prayagraj. Additionally, a special train (01455 Pune to Mau) with six trips has been introduced. Train No. 12149 Pune to Danapur, along with five other weekly trains, is taking devotees to Mahakumbh.