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Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Concerned authorities clarified that devotees traveling to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, for the next Maha Kumbh Mela in January would not be eligible for free train travel or toll-free travel on national highways, following reports regarding the same. In response to "misleading reports about free travel during the Maha Kumbh Mela," the Ministry of Railways released a statement on Wednesday. During the Maha Kumbh Mela, the Ministry added, Indian Railways has learned that some media outlets are spreading rumors that passengers will be permitted to travel for free.
"These reports are completely unfounded and misleading, and Indian Railways categorically denies them," the statement said. It also served as a reminder that it is strictly forbidden to travel without a valid ticket, according to Indian Railways' rules and regulations, and that doing so is penalised by law. “There are no provisions for free travel during Maha Kumbh Mela or any other occasion," it said.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) released a similar statement on Monday. The NHAI stated in a post on the social media site X that there is no plan in place to offer toll-free transportation to vehicles traveling to Prayagraj for the "Kumbh Mela." ALSO READ: Maha Kumbh 2025: Parking Limits For Flights At Prayagraj Prompts Backup Plan, 11 Airports On Standby For Chartered Planes “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. One of the biggest gatherings in the world, the Maha Kumbh Mela, is set to start on January 13, 2025, with Paush Purnima Snan, and end on February 26, 2025, which is Mahashivratri. 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) are the six important bathing occasions when most people are anticipated to visit.
Three of these dates will be for Shahi Snan: Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami. In Kumbh 2019, the overall footfall was 25 crore, and it is predicted to reach 40 crore by 2025..
