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The railway administration has prepared a large-scale transport plan to handle the huge number of pilgrims expected during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik. According to Nashik Trimbakeshwar Kumbha Mela Authority Commissioner Shekhar Singh, more than 150 special trains will be operated every day during the busiest days of the festival.
Kumbh Mela Special Trains
During the four main Amrit Snan days, when millions of devotees are expected to take the holy dip, around 75 special trains from northern India and 75 trains from southern India will run daily.
The Railways expect over three crore passengers to travel during the Kumbh Mela. The highest passenger movement is likely on the Amrit Snan days, when seers and devotees gather for holy bathing at Ram Kund in Nashik and Kushawart Teerth in Trimbakeshwar. To accommodate the large crowds, the number of bathing ghats has also been increased.
Special trains will operate from several major cities, including Kamakhya, Howrah, Patna, Delhi, Jaipur, Bikaner, Nagpur, and Nanded. Additional trains will also run from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, along with local MEMU services.
Special Railway Arrangements
To support the heavy passenger traffic, major upgrades are being carried out at five important railway stations in the region, including Nashik Road. The stations are getting new platforms, loop lines, foot overbridges, waiting and holding areas, and other modern passenger facilities.
To reduce overcrowding at Nashik Road station, the railway administration has adopted a decentralised plan. Trains coming from northern India will terminate at Odha, Kasbe Sukene, and Kherwadi stations, while trains from southern India will stop at Deolali and Nashik Road stations.
Infrastructure work is progressing rapidly across all stations. Nashik Road station is getting two new foot overbridges, a new station building, a roof plaza, and additional sheds. Deolali station will have a 555-metre-long platform, two extra platforms, and a sewage treatment plant.
Odha is getting six stabling lines and additional loop lines, while Kherwadi will have a new island platform, and Kasbe Sukene will receive new loop lines. All five stations will also have better shelters, drinking water facilities, and improved passenger amenities.