New Delhi [India], February 23 (ANI): Indian Railways has played a major role in transporting millions of pilgrims to the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, operating over 14,000 trains to ensure smooth and efficient travel for devotees from across the country, according to the statement.

The Maha Kumbh, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, saw 3.6 crore devotees using railway services in the Kumbh area. About 92 per cent of trains were mail, express, superfast, passenger, and MEMU services, with 472 Rajdhani and 282 Vande Bharat trains also running. Nearly half of the trains started from Uttar Pradesh, followed by 11 per cent from Delhi, 10 per cent from Bihar, and 3-6 per cent from Maharashtra, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. In total, an estimated 12 to 15 crore devotees travelled by train over the course of one and a half months.

To handle the influx, Indian Railways operated additional trains and effectively managed traffic to prevent congestion, according to the statement. Since the beginning of Maha Kumbh, 13,667 trains arrived at Prayagraj and nearby stations. Of these, 3,468 special trains originated from the Kumbh area, 2,008 came from other places, and 8,211 were regular services. Prayagraj Junction alone handled 5,332 trains, providing significant relief to travellers.