The Mahakumbh Mela, a grand spiritual gathering held every 12 years, is set to take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. To accommodate the influx of pilgrims, the South East Central Railway (SECR) Nagpur division has announced special train services between Nagpur and Danapur. This initiative aims to provide a seamless and comfortable journey for devotees traveling to the holy city.
Overview of the Mahakumbh Mela
The Mahakumbh Mela is one of the largest religious congregations globally, attracting millions of devotees who gather to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The event holds immense spiritual significance, and the upcoming Mahakumbh in 2025 is expected to witness a substantial turnout.
SECR’s Initiative for Pilgrims
Understanding the need for efficient transportation during the Mahakumbh, the SECR’s Nagpur division has planned to run eight special trains between Nagpur and Danapur. These trains are scheduled to operate on specific dates to manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic.
Detailed Train Schedule
The special train services are organized as follows:
- Train No. 01217 Nagpur-Danapur Kumbh Mela Special
- Departure Dates: January 26, February 5, February 9, and February 23, 2025
- Departure Time from Nagpur: 10:10 AM
- Arrival at Danapur: 11:00 AM the following day
- Train No. 01218 Danapur-Nagpur Kumbh Mela Special
- Departure Dates: January 27, February 6, February 10, and February 24, 2025
- Departure Time from Danapur: 4:00 PM
- Arrival at Nagpur: 7:30 PM the following day
Route and Halts
These special trains will traverse the following route, with designated halts to facilitate passenger boarding and deboarding:
- Route: Nagpur → Narkher → Amla → Betul → Itarsi → Pipariya → Narsinghpur → Jabalpur → Katni → Maihar → Satna → Manikpur → Prayagraj Chheoki → Mirzapur → Chunar → Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Jn → Buxar → Ara → Danapur
Coach Composition
To ensure ample seating and comfort, each train will comprise:
- 2 AC 2-Tier Coaches
- 4 AC 3-Tier Coaches
- 6 Sleeper Class Coaches
- 6 General Second Class Coaches
- 2 General Second Class cum Guard’s Brake Vans
Reservation Details
Bookings for these special trains commenced on December 20, 2024. Passengers can reserve their seats through all Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centers and the official IRCTC website. Notably, the General Second Class coaches will operate as unreserved coaches, with tickets available via the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS).
Additional Special Train Services
In addition to the Nagpur-Danapur specials, the Central Railway has announced other special train services to cater to pilgrims from various regions:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) – Mau Kumbh Mela Specials
- Train No. 01033: Departs from CSMT on select dates and arrives at Mau the next day.
- Train No. 01034: Returns from Mau on specified dates, reaching CSMT the following day.
- Pune – Mau Kumbh Mela Specials
- Train No. 01455: Leaves Pune on designated dates, arriving at Mau the next day.
- Train No. 01456: Departs from Mau on particular dates, reaching Pune the subsequent day.
Importance of These Services
The introduction of these special train services underscores the railway’s commitment to facilitating smooth travel for pilgrims. By providing additional trains with strategic halts and adequate seating, the SECR aims to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience during the Mahakumbh.
Travel Tips for Pilgrims
For a hassle-free journey, pilgrims are advised to:
- Plan Ahead: Given the high demand during the Mahakumbh, it’s prudent to book tickets well in advance.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check official railway websites or apps for updates on train schedules and seat availability.
- Adhere to Guidelines: Follow all travel advisories and guidelines issued by the railway authorities to ensure safety and comfort.
The Mahakumbh Mela is a monumental event, and the SECR’s initiative to introduce special train services between Nagpur and Danapur is a commendable step towards accommodating the needs of countless pilgrims. By availing these services, devotees can look forward to a comfortable and efficient journey to the sacred city of Prayagraj.
- What are the departure dates for the Nagpur-Danapur special trains?
- The trains depart from Nagpur on January 26, February 5, February 9, and February 23, 2025.
- How can I book tickets for these special trains?
- Reservations can be made through all PRS centers and the IRCTC website.
- Are there unreserved coaches available?
- Yes, the General Second Class coaches operate as unreserved, and tickets can be purchased via the UTS.
- What is the route of the Nagpur-Danapur special train?
- The train passes through several stations, including Narkher, Amla, Betul, Itarsi, and Jabalpur, before reaching Danapur.
- Where can I find detailed timings and halts for these trains?
- For comprehensive information, visit the official railway enquiry website or download the NTES app.
