Mahakumbh: Prayagraj Sangam Railway Station To Remain Closed For Next 4 Days Due To Heavy Crowd

Authorities in Prayagraj have temporarily closed Sangam railway station from 1:30 PM on February 9 to midnight on February 14 to manage the overwhelming influx of pilgrims attending the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.

The decision, issued by the Prayagraj District Administration, aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth crowd control.

Despite the closure, train services continue to operate through eight other stations in the Maha Kumbh area, including Prayagraj Chheoki, Naini, Prayagraj Junction, Subedarganj, Prayag, Phaphamau, Prayagraj Rambagh, and Jhusi. Additional arrangements have been made to accommodate the large number of devotees travelling to the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

Railway Minister's Says All Stations Working Smoothly

However, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that all the Mahakumbh railway stations are operating smoothly. In a post on X, he wrote, "Yesterday, 12.5 lakh pilgrims were facilitated and a record 330 trains departed from Prayagraj Mahakumbh area stations. Today, 130 trains have departed from the mela area so far. All Mahakumbh mela railway stations are operating smoothly."

Meanwhile, heavy traffic congestion has been reported in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh as northbound vehicles heading toward Prayagraj face restrictions to prevent overcrowding. Since Friday night, authorities have been allowing vehicles to proceed only after obtaining clearance from Uttar Pradesh officials. Large numbers of vehicles, particularly from Maharashtra and southern states, have been stranded in districts like Katni, Maihar, and Rewa.

To manage the situation, traffic police have stopped vehicles at various checkpoints, including Chakghat, and are permitting movement only when the situation eases. Some stranded travellers reported long delays but acknowledged that food arrangements were adequate.

Prez Takes Holy Dip

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela on Monday.

The President was earlier warmly welcomed by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh Smt Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister on her arrival at Prayagraj. President Murmu fed migratory birds at Triveni Sangam before offering prayers.