The Railway Ministry has clarified that there is no plan to offer free train services for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The clarification came after some media reports claimed that the ministry is considering allowing train travel without tickets for devotees returning from Maha Kumbh.
A statement issued by the ministry said, “It has come to the attention of Indian Railways that certain media outlets are circulating reports claiming that passengers will be allowed to travel free of cost during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Indian Railways categorically denies these reports, as they are entirely baseless and misleading.”
The statement said that travelling without a valid ticket is strictly prohibited under the rules and regulations of Indian Railways and constitutes a punishable offense. The ministry added that There are no provisions for free travel during Maha Kumbh Mela or any other occasion.
The statement further said that Indian Railways is committed to ensuring seamless travel for passengers during the Maha Kumbh Mela. It said, “Adequate arrangements are being made, including the establishment of special holding areas, additional ticket counters, and other necessary facilities to manage the anticipated influx of passengers.”
Notably, earlier a report by Dainik Bhaskar claimed that the railways is considering to do away with the requirement of buying tickets for general class passengers returning from Maha Kumbh. The report added that the necessary formalities for this are being finalised.
Dainik Bhaskar added that the ministry has estimated that over 5 lakh passengers will travel in general class coaches every day. As per the report, it will be a big challenge to gather the necessary resources to provide tickets to so many passengers in one day. Therefore, the requirement of buying general tickets is being cancelled for Kumbh.
However, the minister has now clarified that there is no proposal under consideration, and tickets will be required for travelling to and from Maha Kumbh on trains.
Indian Railways will operate approximately 13,000 trains, including 3,000 special services, for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The Railways is also eliminating 21 level-crossing gates in Prayagraj, and replacing them with road overbridges and underpasses.
