Rly board chief: 360 trains to Prayagraj on Mauni Amavasya, highest in a day for a city

“We have cancelled some trains for tomorrow (Wednesday) so that we can run special trains…We have put back some of the trains for January 30,” he said.

The 190 special trains will be operated direction-wise from: Prayagraj Junction, Subedarganj, Naini, Prayagraj Chheoki, Prayag Junction, Phaphamau, Prayagraj Rambagh, Prayagraj Sangam, and Jhunsi.

Kumar said that for the security of passengers, a special team of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been deployed across the section.

“We have turned the Khusro Bagh into a holding area, where around 1 lakh people can be accommodated,” he added.

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, more than 15 crore people have bathed in Ganga River since January 13, which marked the beginning of the 45-day Maha Kumbh. Officials said around 8 to 10 crore pilgrims are expected to take a dip in the Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya.

According to Kumar, the biggest challenge would be when people start moving out of the Mela area. “A large number of CCTVs have been installed in the Mela area and at the railway stations. To hold a large number of people is the biggest challenge. But we have made arrangements in Khusro Bagh. We will put up a good show like we did on Makar Sankranti. As far as special trains are concerned, all are general class.

Kumar denied the allegation of passengers facing problems in boarding trains amidst a huge flow of people. “I don’t think this is the case. Passengers are happy and people have to plan in advance given the extraordinary circumstances. All the arrangements have been made. We have planned in advance till February 4. All the reserved trains are full and now the only option is to go by unreserved trains,” said Kumar.