To facilitate seamless travel for pilgrims during Maha Kumbh 2025, the railway administration has introduced a special Prayagraj-Varanasi-Ayodhya Ring Rail Service.
This initiative will enable devotees to visit three significant religious sites — Prayagraj for the holy Kumbh Snan, Varanasi to seek blessings at Baba Vishwanath Temple, and Ayodhya for the darshan of Shri Ram Temple. The service will operate between January 10 and February 28, 2025, with four MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) trains running on the designated route.
Prayagraj-Varanasi-Ayodhya Ring Rail Route and Schedule
The Prayagraj-Varanasi-Ayodhya Ring Rail service will cover a total of 20 stations across the religious and historical route. The MEMU trains will start and end their journey at Prayagraj, ensuring a complete loop for the convenience of travelers. The prominent stations on the route include:
- Prayagraj (starting point)
- Prayagraj Ram Bagh
- Jhunsi
- Handia Khas
- Gyanpur Road
- Madhosingh
- Varanasi
- Lohata
- Bhadohi
- Janghai
- Mariahu
- Jaunpur
- Shahganj
- Jafrabad
- Akbarpur
- Gosainganj
- Ayodhya
- Ayodhya Cantt
- Sultanpur
- Maa Belha Devi Dham Pratapgarh
- Mau Aima
- Phaphamau
- Prayag
The trains will complete their journey by returning to Prayagraj. This extensive rail service has been strategically designed to connect the major pilgrimage sites in Uttar Pradesh.
Train Timings
According to the schedule prepared by the Northeast Railway Administration, the MEMU trains will operate in two time slots, catering to both day and night travelers:
- Train 04111 and Train 04113:
- Departure: 6:00 AM from Prayagraj
- Return: 5:30 PM back to Prayagraj
- These daytime trains will offer pilgrims an opportunity to visit multiple stations and return within the same day.
- Train 04112 and Train 04114:
- Departure: 6:30 PM from Prayagraj
- Return: 7:45 AM the next morning
- These night trains will allow pilgrims to travel overnight, enabling them to plan their visits efficiently.
The MEMU trains will consist of 12 coaches to accommodate a large number of passengers, ensuring comfort and accessibility for devotees traveling between the three religious cities.
Service Interruptions
It is important to note that the Prayagraj-Varanasi-Ayodhya Ring Rail service will remain suspended from January 28 to January 30, 2025, due to operational reasons. Pilgrims planning their travel around these dates are advised to make alternate arrangements.
Significance of the Initiative
The Prayagraj-Varanasi-Ayodhya Ring Rail Service holds great significance for devotees attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, which is expected to attract millions of pilgrims from across the country and abroad. The introduction of these four MEMU trains is a proactive effort by the railway administration to enhance convenience, reduce travel time, and ensure that pilgrims can visit the key spiritual sites in a single journey.
With Maha Kumbh 2025 being a major event, this rail service is expected to ease the pressure on road transportation, which typically experiences heavy congestion during the festival. The availability of frequent train services will provide a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transportation for pilgrims.
Conclusion
The Northeast Railway Administration has made commendable efforts to streamline travel for devotees attending the Maha Kumbh. The four MEMU trains connecting Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya will not only strengthen regional connectivity but also enhance the spiritual experience for pilgrims. Travelers are encouraged to check the train schedules and plan their journeys accordingly to make the most of this special initiative during Maha Kumbh 2025.
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