Mahakumbh 2025: As the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj nears its end, the Pune Railway Division has implemented stricter security measures. The decision has been taken to manage the massive influx of devotees and prevent incidents like the recent overcrowding and stone-pelting on trains. These measures follow reports of harrowing experiences faced by passengers traveling to the religious event. (Mahakumbh 2025)
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Shubham Sahay, a businessman traveling from Danapur to Pune, recounted his ordeal where he suffered fractured ribs after being pushed into sewage while trying to board a train. He described severe overcrowding, with confirmed ticket holders forced to stand for hours while unauthorized passengers occupied reserved seats. He also reported stone-pelting incidents that damaged train windows and a lack of timely assistance from RPF personnel.
Sahay’s experience highlights the challenges faced by passengers amidst the Mahakumbh rush. To prevent similar incidents and avoid stampede-like situations, the Pune Railway Division has ramped up security for Pune-Danapur trains. These measures include deploying security escorts before boarding, increasing the number of ticket inspectors inside trains, and introducing special trains.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has increased surveillance at stations, assigning twenty personnel and a nodal officer to manage the crowds. The number of ticket inspectors per train has also been increased to sixteen. P.B. Ubale, RPF sub-inspector at Pune station, explained that separate queues are being organized for general compartment ticket holders, and only confirmed ticket holders will be allowed to board. He emphasized that additional passengers are being turned away once compartments reach capacity, and security personnel are deployed to prevent unauthorized boarding of reserved coaches.
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Ubale added that a detailed security plan has been implemented to ensure safe travel, with additional steps taken to enhance security for northbound trains. The increased security comes as social media videos circulate showing passengers damaging trains, throwing stones, and dangerously hanging from train doors. Railway officials have assured that general ticket holders will not be allowed to occupy reserved seats, and ticket inspections will be conducted at stations to prevent unauthorized travel.
Currently, seven trains under the Pune division operate towards Prayagraj. A special train (01455 Pune to Mau) with six trips has been introduced, and Train No. 12149 Pune to Danapur, along with five other weekly trains, are carrying devotees to the Mahakumbh.
