CR to Run 34 Special Trains for Kumbh Mela 2025: A Detailed Overview
The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of devotees from all corners of India and abroad. With the 2025 Kumbh Mela scheduled to take place in Prayagraj, the Central Railway (CR) has announced the operation of 34 special trains to manage the surge in passenger traffic between January 13 and February 26, 2025. These trains will run between key locations such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Pune, Mau, Nagpur, and Danapur, ensuring that the rush of pilgrims and travelers is accommodated efficiently.
In this article, we will explore the details of these special trains, including their schedules, routes, halts, train composition, and how to book tickets.
Kumbh Mela 2025 Overview
The Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival, occurs every few years at four rotating locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. Prayagraj is set to host the event in 2025, and it is expected to draw over 100 million people. Due to the vast number of participants, the railway network plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth transportation.
Special Trains Between CSMT/Pune and Mau
The Central Railway will operate 14 special trains between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Mau, which will run from 9th January to 27th February 2025.
Train Schedule:
- Train 01033 (CSMT to Mau)
Departure: 11:30 hrs (9th, 17th, 22nd, 25th Jan; 5th, 22nd, 26th Feb 2025)
Arrival: 22:00 hrs next day - Train 01034 (Mau to CSMT)
Departure: 23:50 hrs (10th, 18th, 23rd, 26th Jan; 6th, 23rd, 27th Feb 2025)
Arrival: 14:30 hrs next day
Halts:
Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Igatpuri, Nashik Road, Manmad, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Khandwa, Talvadiya, Chhanera, Khirkiya, Harda, Banapura, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Mirzapur, Chunar, Varanasi, Shahganj, Azamgarh.
Train Composition:
- Two AC 2-Tier
- Four AC 3-Tier
- Six Sleeper Class
- Six General Second Class
- Two General Second Class cum Guard’s Brake Van
Special Trains Between Pune and Mau
In addition to the CSMT-Mau specials, 12 special trains will also run between Pune and Mau, offering enhanced connectivity from Western India.
Train Schedule:
- Train 01455 (Pune to Mau)
Departure: 10:10 hrs (8th, 16th, 24th Jan; 6th, 8th, 21st Feb 2025)
Arrival: 22:00 hrs next day - Train 01456 (Mau to Pune)
Departure: 23:50 hrs (9th, 17th, 25th Jan; 7th, 9th, 22nd Feb 2025)
Arrival: 16:45 hrs next day
Halts:
Daund Chord Line, Ahmednagar, Belapur, Manmad, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Khandwa, Talvadiya, Chhanera, Khirkiya, Harda, Banapura, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Mirzapur, Chunar, Varanasi, Shahganj, Azamgarh.
Train Composition:
- Two AC 2-Tier
- Two AC 3-Tier
- Six Sleeper Class
- Six General Second Class / Chair Car
- One General Second Class cum Guard’s Brake Van
- One Generator Van
Special Trains Between Nagpur and Danapur
For passengers traveling from Nagpur to Danapur, the 8 special trains are designed to alleviate crowding and enhance convenience.
Train Schedule:
- Train 01217 (Nagpur to Danapur)
Departure: 10:10 hrs (26th Jan, 5th, 9th, 23rd Feb 2025)
Arrival: 11:00 hrs next day - Train 01218 (Danapur to Nagpur)
Departure: 16:00 hrs (27th Jan, 6th, 10th, 24th Feb 2025)
Arrival: 19:30 hrs next day
Halts:
Narkher, Amla, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Mirzapur, Chunar, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Jn, Buxar, Ara.
Train Composition:
- Two AC 2-Tier
- Four AC 3-Tier
- Six Sleeper Class
- Six General Second Class
- Two General Second Class cum Guard’s Brake Van
Reservation and Booking Details
Ticket bookings for these Kumbh Mela Special Trains will open on December 20, 2024. Passengers can book their tickets through various platforms:
- IRCTC website: www.irctc.co.in
- PRC Centers: Tickets can also be purchased at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centers across the country.
- Unreserved Coaches: Some general second-class coaches will operate as unreserved coaches, and tickets for these can be booked via the UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) app.
Tips for Travelers
- Plan in Advance: Given the heavy rush, it’s best to book tickets as soon as possible to avoid last-minute disappointments.
- Check Train Status: For the latest updates, consult the NTES App or visit the official railway inquiry website.
- Safety First: Ensure you follow all health and safety guidelines during the journey, especially during such a high-traffic event.
With the Kumbh Mela 2025 around the corner, the Central Railway’s move to run 34 special trains is a significant step toward ensuring the comfort and safety of millions of passengers. The availability of these special trains from CSMT, Pune, and Nagpur to Mau and Danapur will help manage the increased passenger flow while offering better connectivity to Prayagraj.
Whether you’re traveling for the Kumbh Mela or just using the trains for regular travel, it’s important to stay informed about the schedules, halts, and booking details. Make sure to plan your journey in advance to experience the festivities comfortably and safely.
- How can I book tickets for the Kumbh Mela special trains?
- Tickets can be booked on the IRCTC website or through PRS centers. Unreserved coaches can be booked via the UTS app.
- When do bookings open for these special trains?
- Bookings will begin on 20th December 2024.
- What is the schedule for the Kumbh Mela special trains?
- The trains will run between January 9 to February 27, 2025, with multiple departures from CSMT, Pune, and Nagpur.
- Are there any unreserved coaches on these special trains?
- Yes, some general second-class coaches are unreserved, and tickets can be booked via UTS.
- How can I check the train status during the Kumbh Mela?
- You can check the train status using the NTES App or visit the official Indian Railways inquiry website.
