The Indian Railways has firmly dismissed the claims that passengers can travel free of cost during Maha Kumbh Fest. They called this claim a ‘Baseless and misleading’ one.
The Indian Railways emphasized that travelling without a ticket constitutes a punishable offence.
The statement issued by the Indian Railways mentions that, “It has come to the attention of Indian Railways that certain media outlets are circulating reports claiming that passengers will be allowed to travel free of cost during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Indian Railways categorically denies these reports, as they are entirely baseless and misleading.”
According to the statement, “There are no provisions for free travel during Maha Kumbh Mela or any other occasion.”
In the statement issued by the Indian Railways, they stated that “the Indian Railways emphasized that travelling without a ticket constitutes a punishable offence.”
Meanwhile, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Central Railway Shashi Kant Tripathi announced that Indian Railways is eliminating 21 level-crossing gates in Prayagraj to ensure smoother traffic movement. In a major infrastructure overhaul, 21 level-crossing gates are being eliminated at a cost of approximately Rs 450 crores. “21 LC (level-crossing) gates are being prepared at an expense of around Rs 450 Crores. 15 of these gates are ready and the remaining will also be ready this December,” Tripathi said.
The Uttar Pradesh government has also made special arrangements for the security of devotees ahead of the 2025 Maha kumbh. The American Balm Blood and England’s Thro breed horses along with the ‘desi’ Indian breed are being brought in Prayagraj to work for crowd control.
This is being done for the ease of devotees since the mounted police will be effective in managing situations and crowds during the Kumbh.
“130 horses will be deployed in the (upcoming) Kumbh (mela) for the protection of citizens. As of now, 70 horses have come here. Of these, four (American) Balm Blood horses have been brought for the Kumbh,” Prem Babu, Inspector Kumbh Mela mounted police, told ANI.
The police official further said that these horses undergo training for six months to prepare for deployment in crowded places. Prem Babu further mentioned that “These horses undergo six months of rigorous training to be deployed in crowded places such as melas and traffic control. The horses of foreign breed can see long distances and are (sharp) minded. It also helps the rider to surveil the area.”
