Maharashtra: Central Railway ramps up capacity, amenities ahead of Nashik Kumbh Mela 2027

Major infrastructure works worth over Rs 16,000 crore are currently underway.

Central Railway (CR) on Thursday said it has enhanced passenger amenities and capacity by adding new trains, including Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express, and expanding AC suburban services.

Major infrastructure works worth over Rs 16,000 crore are currently underway, while extensive preparations for the Nashik Kumbh Mela include 90 projects valued at Rs 1,455 crore. The network aims to be fully ready by March 2027, with faster and higher-capacity services.

Central Railway's CPRO, Dr Swapnil Nila, spoke about preparations and crowd management for the Nashik Kumbh Mela, stating that significant improvements have been made in passenger amenities.

"In 2025 alone, seven new trains were introduced, including a Vande Bharat service between Nagpur and Pune, and two Amrit Bharat trains connecting Panvel to Alipurduar and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Saharsa," he said.

He added that, to enhance suburban travel, 12 projects worth over Rs 16,000 crore are currently underway. "On the Harbour Line, 14 new AC local trains have been added, taking the total number of AC locals across the network to 94," Dr Nila said.

For the upcoming Kumbh Mela, extensive preparations are in progress. "Around 90 projects worth Rs 1,455 crore are being implemented to upgrade facilities in Nashik and nearby towns," he added.