NEW DELHI: Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Indian Railways operated 364 outward trains from various stations of Prayagraj to ferry around 12 lakh pilgrims on Wednesday. The railway ministry said that in addition, another 77 inward trains were operated. The outward trains from Prayagraj included 142 regular and 222 Maha Kumbh special trains.
Vaishnaw said senior railway officials were monitoring the situation in real-time from the war room located in Rail Bhawan, and trains are being operated in constant coordination with the state govt. He added that the chairman and CEO of railway board and GMs of three railway zones are in touch with mela administration and state to ensure the smooth travel of devotees.
“I appeal to all devotees who have come for Sangam Snan to follow the instructions given by the administration. Railways has created large holding areas for passengers where they can sit and wait for their train,” Vaishnaw said. During the Maha Kumbh, railways has planned to operate about 13,450 trains, which include 10,028 regular trains and over 3,400 special trains. So far, over 1,900 special trains have been operated. TNN