Indian Railways News - IR Affairs

Indian Railways has invested ₹5000 crore over two years to prepare for the Maha Kumbh Mela. To accommodate the expected larger crowds than the previous Kumbh, 3000 special trains and 10000 regular trains (total 13000) will operate. Improvements include a new bridge over the Ganges, track doubling between Phaphamau...
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and Janghai, 48 new platforms, 21 ROBs/RUBs, improved foot over bridges to prevent congestion, color-coded signage at Prayagraj stations for easy navigation, mobile ticketing, and QR code based ticketing assistance from railway staff. 16-coach MEMU trains are also being deployed, and special trains will have engines at both ends to avoid delays during engine changes.

Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar inspected Varanasi Cantt station on Sunday. He checked track point crossings, ordered the removal of debris and condemned vehicles, and instructed improvements to cleanliness. He also directed the auction of condemned vehicles in the parcel office, addressed parcel delivery issues, and ordered the removal of...
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derelict vehicles from the circulating area. He expressed displeasure over a tangled wire mess above the VIP lounge, highlighting safety concerns, and ordered the demolition of an MCO office to widen a space. Further instructions included repairing damaged flooring, removing cement from platform 5, and installing an indication board to guide passengers to platforms 10 and 11 from platform 5. Construction of a new foot overbridge between the parcel office and the second entry was also initiated.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced four ring trains between Prayagraj and Ayodhya during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Varanasi. The railways will operate 3,000 special and 10,000 regular trains nationwide to accommodate the approximately 1.5 to 2 crore pilgrims expected to travel. Preparations, including new waiting areas, holding areas,...
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track doubling, platform extensions, and new FOBs, ROBs, and RUBs, have been underway for three years across North, Northeast, and North Central Railways to ensure smooth train operations.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited Varanasi station on Sunday, announcing modernization efforts including automated signaling, yard remodeling, and upgraded platform equipment. General coaches will be increased for passenger convenience. Special preparations are underway for the Kumbh Mela, accommodating pilgrims. He later inspected the station via a special inspection...
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vehicle before departing for Prayagraj. The visit included greetings from railway employees' unions and BJP leaders at Babatpur Airport. A memorandum requesting an 11-meter-wide underpass at Nakkhi Ghat railway crossing was submitted. Separately, the roadways department plans an alternate bus station with capacity for 50 buses to manage Kumbh Mela crowds. Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar also inspected Cantt station, checking tracks near platforms 10-11 and expressing displeasure over dirt near the parcel office.

Due to double-tracking work between Jhusi and Prayagraj Rambag on the Varanasi-Prayagraj Junction project, several East Central Railway trains have been cancelled or rerouted from December 9th to 13th. Anand Vihar-Sitamarhi Express (14006/14005) is cancelled between December 9th-11th and 11th-13th respectively. Jaynagar-New Delhi Express (12561) and New Delhi-Jaynagar Express (12562)...
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are cancelled on specific dates between December 8th and 11th. Lokmanya Tilak Terminal-Jaynagar Express (11061) will be rerouted from December 8th-10th, omitting several stations. Jaynagar-Lokmanya Tilak Terminal Express (11062) will also be rerouted on December 9th, skipping several stations. Howrah-Prayagraj Rambag Express (12333) will be short-terminated at Varanasi and cancelled between Varanasi and Prayagraj Rambag on December 7th and 11th. Prayagraj Rambag-Howrah Express (12334) will run from Varanasi instead of Prayagraj Rambag between December 8th and 12th, skipping the section between Prayagraj Rambag and Varanasi.