Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Travel Guide: Check the Mahakumbh special train list and timings for pilgrims

Pilgrims gather at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers during Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, will take place from January 13 to February 26, 2025 at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad). After a 12-year hiatus, the event is expected to attract over 45 crore pilgrims from India and around the world, all seeking spiritual purification through a sacred dip in the river. To accommodate the massive turnout, Indian Railways has introduced special train services, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for pilgrims traveling to and from the holy city.

During the Mela, a dedicated tent city will provide lodging for attendees, while the key Shahi Snan bathing days will occur on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). This travel guide provides essential information on the special train services, timings, and booking details for those planning to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

To ensure smooth and safe travel for the devotees, Indian Railways has launched special train services to accommodate the overwhelming number of attendees, providing a seamless journey to and from the holy city. This travel guide covers the details of the special train arrangements, timings, and booking information for pilgrims heading to the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

Indian Railways is launching a massive operation to manage the increased travel demand during the Mela. Over the course of 50 days, a combination of 10,000 regular trains and 3,000 special services will be in operation. Of these, around 700 long-distance Kumbh Mela Express trains and 1,800 short-distance trains (covering distances between 200-300 kilometers) will ensure smooth travel for pilgrims. The unique "Ring Rail" service will also be available for pilgrims visiting sacred locations like Chitrakoot, Banaras, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj, offering a circular route that starts and ends in Prayagraj.

In anticipation of the overwhelming number of pilgrims, Western Railway has introduced a total of 98 special trains. These trains are designed with a focus on passenger convenience, cleanliness, and safety. Railway Protection Force (RPF) teams will also be stationed at key stations to provide security and assistance to travelers.

The North Eastern Railway (NER) has introduced 80 specially designed Mahakumbh-themed coaches to enrich the pilgrimage journey. These coaches, forming four rakes, will operate as "Mahakumbh Special Trains," offering a vibrant and visually captivating experience for passengers traveling to the spiritual event.

1. From Bengaluru to Prayagraj: South Western Railway (SWR) will operate a special one-way Kumbh Mela Express. The train will depart Bengaluru on January 8, 2025, and reach Prayagraj by January 10. It will stop at key stations such as Whitefield, Bangarapet, Katpadi, Vijayawada, and others. This train will have 20 coaches, including general second class, sleeper, and luggage cum brake vans.

2. From Himachal Pradesh to Prayagraj: Special trains from Una to Prayagraj will begin operation on January 17, 2025. The first train (04528) will depart at 10:05 PM and reach Prayagraj at 6:00 PM the next day. The service will include sleeper, general, and AC three-tier coaches, with special fare arrangements.

3. From Jaynagar to Jhusi: North Eastern Railway (NER) will operate special trains for pilgrims traveling from Jaynagar to Prayagraj. The train (05285/05286) will make four trips from Jaynagar on January 10, 24, 31, February 1, and March 1. It will halt at important stations including Madhubani, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Varanasi, and others.

4. From Guntur to Azamgarh and Moula Ali to Gaya: A series of special trains will operate from these locations, departing on January 24, 18, 20, and other specific dates. These trains will ensure a smooth journey for pilgrims traveling from southern and eastern parts of the country.

South Central Railway (SCR) has announced 16 special trains to connect various destinations to the Maha Kumbh Mela. These services will operate throughout the 45-day festival. Pilgrims can conveniently check train availability and schedules via IRCTC. Here are some key routes and timings for the special trains:

Train 7701: Departs from Guntur to Azamgarh at 23:00 on January 24, arriving at 17:15 the next day.

Train 7702: Returns from Azamgarh to Guntur, departing at 19:45 on January 26, and arriving at 09:00 the following day.

Train 7707: Operates from Moula Ali to Azamgarh on January 18 and February 21, departing at 23:55 and reaching at 17:15 the next day. Train 7708 returns from Azamgarh to Moula Ali on January 20 and February 23, departing at 19:45 and arriving at 07:30 on the second day.

Train 7711: Travels from Moula Ali to Gaya on January 19, leaving at 17:50 and reaching at 09:00 the following day. Train 7712 returns from Gaya to Moula Ali on January 21, with similar timings.

Train 7729: Departs from Moula Ali to Gaya on January 22, and Train 7730 returns from Gaya to Moula Ali on January 24, maintaining the same schedule as 7711 and 7712.

Train 7719: Operates from Guntur to Gaya on January 25, departing at 14:20 and reaching at 09:00 the next day. Train 7720 returns from Gaya to Guntur on January 27, departing at 14:15 and arriving at 04:00 the following day.

Train 7721: Travels from Nanded to Patna on January 22, leaving at 23:00 and arriving at 10:30 the next day. Train 7722 returns from Patna to Nanded on January 24, departing at 15:30 and reaching at 04:30.

Train 7725: Operates from Kacheguda to Patna on January 25, departing at 16:45 and reaching at 10:30 the next day. Train 7726 returns from Patna to Kacheguda on January 27, leaving at 11:30 and arriving at 07:00 the following day.

Booking tickets for the special Kumbh Mela trains is simple through the IRCTC website or mobile app. Here’s how to book your tickets:

*Visit the "Trains" section on the IRCTC website/app.

*Enter your departure city, destination (Prayagraj), and preferred travel dates.

*Select the train that best suits your schedule, check availability, and proceed with the payment.

Once booked, you will receive an e-ticket and PNR number for easy reference.

Stay updated on your ticket status by checking the "PNR Status" section on IRCTC. Simply enter your 10-digit PNR number to track your booking confirmation or waitlist status.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will be a monumental spiritual event, with Indian Railways providing extensive train services to accommodate millions of pilgrims. With special trains connecting key cities, travelers can expect a smooth journey to Prayagraj. Plan early, book your tickets, and prepare for an unforgettable spiritual experience.