Indian Railways, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation, has undertaken a project to elevate railway tracks to remove level crossings before next year’s Maha Kumbh, officials said on Sunday.
The initiative is set to ease traffic congestion, save travel time, and provide significant relief to city residents, they added.
Celebrated in a cycle of 12 years, the Maha Kumbh will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.
Rail under bridges (RUBs) and rail over bridges (ROBs) are ready on almost all the level crossings in Prayagraj where movement will start fully before the mega event, officials said.
Alongside the spiritual festivities, the Maha Kumbh has accelerated industrial growth and commercial development across the region. A major highlight of this transformation is the removal of level crossings, made possible through the collaborative efforts of Indian Railways and the State Bridge Corporation.
Amit Malviya, senior public relations officer, Prayagraj division, said the RUBs and ROBs are being constructed at almost all level crossings, not only within Prayagraj, but also in the surrounding areas.
Several of these crossings were completed during the last Kumbh in 2019 as part of earlier infrastructure upgrades, he said, adding that the remaining projects are now being fast-tracked for completion ahead of Maha Kumbh 2025, with joint efforts from the Centre and state government.
These developments are expected to be fully ready before the commencement of the grand event, Malviya said.
Seven ROBs have been constructed here at a cost of about Rs 375 crore, while the construction work for three RUBs is in the final stages, the officials said.
Cementing operations will begin soon on all the newly-constructed ROBs and RUBs, which will not only ease the movement of crores of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh, but also benefit the city residents with reduced traffic congestion even after the event, Malviya said.
The end of level crossings will ensure uninterrupted and safe operation of trains. Approximately 10,000 trains are expected to operate seamlessly through the upper division during the Maha Kumbh, officials said.
