Trains to Prayagraj Overcrowded as Maha Kumbh Draws Thousands

Patna: Trains heading to Prayagraj are packed with devotees traveling for the Maha Kumbh, leaving no availability even for waiting list tickets. The surge in demand has led to a complete lack of room in AC 3-tier coaches on several key trains, including the Tejas Rajdhani running from Rajendra Nagar to Delhi between February 10 and 22. Similar conditions persist in AC 3-tier coaches of at least half a dozen other trains until February 23.

The crowding has reached such an extent that around 800 passengers are crammed into the four general compartments of the Sampoorna Kranti Express, with the general coach filling up as early as Rajendra Nagar. A railway official stated that approximately 10,000 devotees are departing from Patna Junction daily, along with 8,000 from Danapur, 2,000 from Patliputra Junction, and 3,000 from Rajendra Nagar Terminal.

In response to the overwhelming rush, railway authorities have increased the number of supervisors and staff at ticket counters across major stations, including Patna Junction. Additional counters have also been set up to manage the flow of passengers. Meanwhile, stations are being closely monitored through CCTV cameras to ensure safety and crowd control.