The South Western Railway (SWR) has announced a one-way Kumbha Mela Express Special train service from Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru (SMVT) to Prayagraj. This service is designed to cater to the high demand from passengers traveling for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
Train number 06577 will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 11:50 PM on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, and will reach Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh at 5:15 PM on Friday, January 10, 2025. The journey spans two days to accommodate pilgrims attending the grand religious event.
During its journey, the train will make stops at several key stations:
Karnataka: Whitefield, Bangarapet
Tamil Nadu: Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Perambur
Andhra Pradesh: Gudur, Vijayawada
Telangana: Warangal
Maharashtra: Balharshah, Chandrapur, Sevagram, Nagpur
Madhya Pradesh: Itarsi, Jabalpur
Uttar Pradesh: Satna, Manikpur
Passengers can gather detailed information on the arrival and departure timings at each station by visiting the official Indian Railways website at enquiry.indianrail.gov.in, dialing 139, or downloading the NTES app.
The special train will consist of 20 coaches, ensuring adequate capacity for the influx of passengers:
14 general second-class coaches
4 sleeper coaches
2 luggage-cum-brake vans
This configuration is intended to accommodate the diverse needs of travelers during the Maha Kumbh Mela season.
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, is scheduled to take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 13 to February 26, 2025. This event attracts more than 450 million pilgrims from across India and abroad, seeking spiritual blessings and purification.
At the heart of the Maha Kumbh Mela is the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Here, devotees take a holy dip, a ritual believed to cleanse one of sins and pave the way for liberation.
The Maha Kumbh Mela occurs once every 144 years, marking the culmination of 12 Purna-Kumbhs held every 12 years. Additionally, an Ardha-Kumbh takes place every six years. The Purna Kumbh is hosted at four sacred locations:
Prayagraj
Haridwar
Ujjain
Nashik
This rare event brings together millions for spiritual growth, cultural exchange, and celebration of unity.
Plan Ahead: Book your tickets early to secure a seat on the special train.
Stay Updated: Use official railway platforms like the Indian Railways website or NTES app for real-time updates.
Pack Wisely: Carry essential items such as food, water, medicines, and warm clothing for the journey.
Conclusion
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is not just a religious gathering but a monumental event that showcases India's rich spiritual heritage and cultural unity. The introduction of the one-way Kumbha Mela Express Special Train (06577) by the South Western Railway ensures seamless travel for pilgrims from Bengaluru to Prayagraj, meeting the soaring demand during this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
With detailed planning, convenient stops, and adequate facilities, the train service aims to enhance the travel experience for millions of devotees. As pilgrims converge at the sacred Triveni Sangam for a holy dip, the event serves as a reminder of the enduring faith and traditions that unite people from across the globe. Plan your journey early and embrace the spiritual essence of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025!