IN PHOTOS: Maha Kumbh pilgrim surge leads to packed trains and travel chaos

Updated On: 17 February, 2025 04:05 PM IST | Anisha Shrivastava

As the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj nears its conclusion, railway stations across Northern India are experiencing an unprecedented surge in passengers. Long queues, overcrowded platforms, and packed trains have led to significant concerns over crowd management and passenger safety. (PICS/PTI) 

1/7

<div>New Delhi Railway Station, which witnessed a tragic stampede on Saturday, has tightened security measures in response to the influx of travellers. Additional police personnel have been deployed at major stations to monitor and control the swelling crowds.</div>

2/7

New Delhi Railway Station, which witnessed a tragic stampede on Saturday, has tightened security measures in response to the influx of travellers. Additional police personnel have been deployed at major stations to monitor and control the swelling crowds.

<div>With the festival drawing to a close, devotees from across the country are rushing to Prayagraj, causing severe congestion in rail transport. DDU Junction in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, is struggling to manage the overwhelming number of pilgrims heading towards Prayagraj.</div>

3/7

With the festival drawing to a close, devotees from across the country are rushing to Prayagraj, causing severe congestion in rail transport. DDU Junction in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, is struggling to manage the overwhelming number of pilgrims heading towards Prayagraj.

<div>Despite the introduction of special trains, many passengers have been unable to board due to extreme overcrowding. Anand Vihar Railway Station in Delhi has also witnessed massive crowds, making it difficult for authorities to maintain order.</div>

4/7

Despite the introduction of special trains, many passengers have been unable to board due to extreme overcrowding. Anand Vihar Railway Station in Delhi has also witnessed massive crowds, making it difficult for authorities to maintain order.

<div>Varanasi Cantt Station is facing a heavy influx of passengers following the Maha Kumbh Snan, with authorities making extensive efforts to manage the situation. Prayagraj remains a focal point of the festival, with local police working tirelessly to control the enormous visitor turnout.</div>

5/7

Varanasi Cantt Station is facing a heavy influx of passengers following the Maha Kumbh Snan, with authorities making extensive efforts to manage the situation. Prayagraj remains a focal point of the festival, with local police working tirelessly to control the enormous visitor turnout.

<div>Kanpur Central Railway Station has reported severe overcrowding, forcing passengers to sit in bathrooms or cling to train windows due to lack of space. Reports of negligence at several railway stations have sparked frustration among travellers, with many complaining about inadequate arrangements.</div>

6/7

Kanpur Central Railway Station has reported severe overcrowding, forcing passengers to sit in bathrooms or cling to train windows due to lack of space. Reports of negligence at several railway stations have sparked frustration among travellers, with many complaining about inadequate arrangements.

<p>Authorities are under immense pressure to ensure safe and smooth travel for millions of devotees during the festival’s final days. As Maha Kumbh reaches its conclusion, railway stations across Northern India are bracing for an even greater surge in passengers in the coming days.</p>

7/7

Authorities are under immense pressure to ensure safe and smooth travel for millions of devotees during the festival’s final days. As Maha Kumbh reaches its conclusion, railway stations across Northern India are bracing for an even greater surge in passengers in the coming days.

Photo of Day

Breaking barriers and building pyramids — Women power in action!

Sashastra Seema Bal’s (SSB) Daredevils team performs during rehearsals for the Republic Day Parade, in New Delhi. PIC/PTI

Home / News / India News / Photos / IN PHOTOS: Maha Kumbh pilgrim surge leads to packed trains and travel chaos

IN PHOTOS: Maha Kumbh pilgrim surge leads to packed trains and travel chaos

Tags

Photo of Day

Breaking barriers and building pyramids — Women power in action!