Mumbai railways gear up for Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 surge

Huge gathering of Hindu devotees as they take a bath on auspicious day during the second Shahi Snan of Simhastha Kumbh Mela at Ramkund in Nashik, on September 13, 2015. File pic/Getty Images

With the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela expected to draw millions in 2027, railways are fast-tracking upgrades of Mumbai's terminals and building new ones to handle the surge in long-distance trains. Officials say expanding terminal capacity, redistributing train origins and easing congestion in South Mumbai are key to ensuring smooth movement during the pilgrimage season.

"If more trains are to run for the Kumbh Mela, infrastructure must be ready. Many difficulties are faced while working in a busy place like Mumbai, since it is necessary to maintain existing smooth train services. Hence, work is being planned accordingly," a senior railway official said.

Mumbai CSMT

>> Airport-style concourses planned
>> Separate arrival and departure zones
>> Multi-modal hub vision with improved circulation

Dadar

>> Being developed as a mid-town terminus
>> New platform and track works
>> Improved foot overbridge and connectivity

Bandra Terminus

>> 3 new pit lines added
>> Passenger holding areas planned for peak crowds

Panvel

>> Yard remodelling at Kalamboli
>> Expanded terminus capacity
>> More long-distance trains to originate here

Jogeshwari

>> New terminus with 3 platforms
>> Will shift train load from Mumbai Central and Bandra

Vasai Road

>> New platforms for outstation trains
>> Aims to reduce empty rake movements

Kurla LTT

>> More long-distance trains to originate here
>> Passenger facilities being expanded

Stations being readied

>> Panvel
>> Jogeshwari
>> Vasai Road
>> Dadar
>> Bandra Terminus
>> Kurla LTT
>> Mumbai CSMT

Kumbh timeline

Flag hoisting: Oct 31, 2026
First Amrut Snan: Aug 2, 2027