Mahakumbh 2025: Devotees floods event, train routes altered | Find out which stations have changed

In light of the grand Mahakumbh Mela, Indian Railways has announced significant changes to train schedules to accommodate the massive influx of devotees. Several express trains have undergone time-table modifications, with some experiencing short termination and short origination. Railways has urged passengers to plan their journeys according to the updated schedule to avoid any inconvenience.

Revised routes to manage heavy rush

Ashok Kumar, PRO of the Varanasi division under North Eastern Railway, has confirmed the schedule alterations. Given the overwhelming crowd of pilgrims, train routes have been adjusted.

• The 15159 Chhapra-Durg Express, scheduled to depart on February 12, will now operate via the Aunrihar-Jaunpur-Varanasi-Prayagraj Chheoki-Manikpur route instead of its regular Varanasi-Prayag-Prayagraj-Manikpur route. As a result, this train will not halt at Prayag, Prayagraj Junction, and Naini stations.

List of affected trains and new stoppages

The following trains have revised schedules and alternative routes:

• 15159 Chhapra-Durg Express: Will arrive at Prayagraj Chheoki at 15:40 hrs and depart at 15:45 hrs.

• 15018 Gorakhpur-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express (February 12 departure):

  • New route: Gorakhpur-Barabanki-Lucknow-Kanpur Central-Veerangana Lakshmibai (Jhansi)-Bina instead of the usual Aunrihar-Varanasi-Janghai-Prayagraj Jn.-Manikpur.

• 11072 Ballia-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express (February 12 departure):

  • New route: Varanasi-Jaunpur-Lucknow-Kanpur Central-Veerangana Lakshmibai (Jhansi)-Bina instead of Varanasi-Janghai-Prayagraj-Manikpur.

Trains with double engines for efficient travel

To ensure smooth travel during peak Mahakumbh days, the following trains will be operated with double engines:

• 11107 Gwalior-Varanasi Express (February 11-12)

• 15075 Shaktinagar-Tanakpur Express (February 11-12)

• 15073 Singrauli-Tanakpur Express (February 11-12)

• 11108 Varanasi-Gwalior Express (February 12-13)

• 15076 Tanakpur-Shaktinagar Express (February 12-13)

• 15074 Tanakpur-Singrauli Express (February 12-13)

Railways’ advisory for devotees

Railways has advised passengers to verify the updated schedules before planning their trips to avoid last-minute confusion. The revised arrangements aim to streamline travel for thousands of devotees heading to the Mahakumbh Mela, ensuring a hassle-free pilgrimage experience.