Maha Kumbh 2025: No Free Train Travel, No Toll-Free Journey, Govt Debunks Fake News
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The Ministry of Railways said 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.
In Kumbh 2019, the total footfall was 25 crore, which is expected to touch 40 crore in 2025. (Getty)
Devotees heading for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj in January will not be given free journey through trains or toll-free commute on national highways, concerned bodies issued clarification after there were reports around the same. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Railways issued a statement on “misleading reports about free travel during the Maha Kumbh Mela“.
The Ministry said 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,” the statement reads.
It also reminded that traveling without a valid ticket is strictly prohibited under the rules and regulations of Indian Railways and constitutes a punishable offence. “There are no provisions for free travel during Maha Kumbh Mela or any other occasion,” it said.
On Monday, a similar statement was issued by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). In a post on social media platform X, the NHAI said that there is no provision to provide toll-free commute to vehicles bound for ‘Kumbh Mela’ at Prayagraj.
“Some sections of the media have reported that ‘Kumbh Mela’ bound vehicles will be provided toll-free passage on National Highways at Prayagraj. It is clarified that no such proposal is under consideration…User fee on National Highways is collected as per the National Highway Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 and exemptions are provided as per defined guidelines,” the NHAI said.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, considered as one of world’s largest gatherings, is scheduled to commence on January 13, 2025, with the Paush Purnima Snan, and will conclude on February 26, 2025, coinciding with Mahashivratri.
There will be six special bathing dates, where the highest footfall is expected – Paush Purnima (January 13); Makar Sankranti (January 14); Mauni Amavasya (January 29); Basant Panchami (February 3); Maghi Purnima (February 12); and Maha Shivratri (February 26).
Three of these dates will be for Shahi Snan – Makar Sankranti; Mauni Amavasya; and Basant Panchami. In Kumbh 2019, the total footfall was 25 crore, which is expected to touch 40 crore in 2025.
