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To prevent boat collisions and ensure smooth travel, a 12km-long river line has been established, covering 50 bathing ghats with separate entry and exit routes.
With comprehensive transport options and detailed guidance, reaching Maha Kumbh 2025 has never been easier. (Image: PTI)
The Maha Kumbh 2025 is just around the corner, with pilgrims gearing up to take a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj.
The grand event will run from 13 January to 26 February, and the Uttar Pradesh government has made extensive preparations, including upgrades to roads, railways, and other infrastructure.
Here’s everything you need to know about reaching the mela grounds and the facilities available for devotees.
Ghat Features and Upgrades
The Prayagraj ghats, which play a key role in the Kumbh experience, have been significantly upgraded to accommodate the growing number of devotees. A Rs 460 crore investment has been made to enhance facilities across seven ghats along the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.
Key upgrades include:
- Gender-sensitive infrastructure: Special attention has been given to providing comfortable facilities for women, including separate changing rooms.
- Modern amenities: New pavilions, toilet blocks, RO water systems, high-mast lights, and canopies have been installed across the ghats to ensure the safety and convenience of visitors.
- Increased capacity: The length of the ghats has been extended from 8 km in 2019 to 12 km in 2025, ensuring more space to handle the influx of pilgrims.
River Traffic Management
A robust river traffic system has been introduced to prevent boat congestion and ensure safe travel for pilgrims. Key highlights include:
- 12 km River Line: Covering 50 bathing ghats, this system will include separate entry and exit routes for boats.
- 4,000 Boats Managed: A single-route system will streamline ferry services between ghats and Sangam.
- Barricading for Safety: Deep-water barricading boxes with platforms every 8–10 metres will assist the Jal Police.
- Expert Teams Deployed: Over 1,000 personnel, including 35 Jal Police divers, 150 SDRF members, 12 NDRF teams, and 35 Indian Navy sea divers, will ensure safety.
- Floating Traffic Control: A floating control station and 17 sub-stations will monitor river traffic, while 12 jetties are being built for better accessibility.
How to Reach the Mela Grounds from Different Stations
Prayagraj has nine stations serving the Maha Kumbh, including Prayagraj Junction, Rambagh City Station, and Prayag Station. Here’s how you can get to the Mela grounds from each station:
- Prayagraj Junction: From here, take an e-rickshaw or taxi to the mela grounds, then walk to Sangam.
- Chhinwki Junction and Naini Station: Book a taxi to the parking lot, then cross the Yamuna bridge by e-rickshaw and walk to Sangam.
- Ram Bagh City Station and Prayagraj Sangam: These stations are closest to Sangam, with easy access via e-rickshaw or on foot.
- Prayag Station: Take a passenger train to the mela area, then walk to Sangam.
- Jhunsi and Phaphamau Station: From these stations, you can take a passenger train to the mela area and walk to Sangam.
Indian Railways will run over 13,000 trains, including 10,000 regular and 3,000 special trains, to bring devotees from across India.
How to Reach the Mela Grounds from the Airport
- Transport Options: Private taxis and city buses are available from the airport to the parking area.
- Connectivity to Key Locations: Reach Prayagraj Junction, High Court, or Jhalwa Chaufatka from the airport with ease.
Prayagraj Airport is becoming a key destination with direct flights from cities like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bangalore, Delhi, and more. Over 150 VVIPs will also arrive on private jets. Due to the limited capacity, arrangements are being made to use nearby airstrips in districts and neighbouring states.
Buses for Pilgrims
- The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is deploying over 7,000 buses from districts across the state.
- New temporary bus stations are set up outside the city in Naini, Jhunsi, and Phaphamau.
- On key days, buses may only operate near the fair area, and pilgrims may have to walk up to 2 km to reach the Sangam.
Online Assistance for Pilgrims
- Signboards and policemen will direct devotees to the Sangam.
- Voluntary organisations will also assist pilgrims along the routes.
- To assist devotees, all train-related information is available on the Rail Seva app and the official website, while Google Maps will offer navigation assistance.
- Pamphlets in multiple languages are being distributed at stations.
- A colour-coding system at stations will help guide pilgrims easily to the Kumbh grounds.
