Freight train operations during Maha Kumbh 2025 more than doubled compared to the 2013 and 2019 Kumbh Melas, marking a significant surge. In the 2013 Kumbh, an average of 72.62 freight trains operated daily. This figure increased to 78.21 per day in the 2019 Kumbh. However, in the Maha Kumbh 2025, the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) handled an impressive 149.45 freight trains per day between 11 January 2025 and 26 February 2025 – the period of the ‘Snan’ (bath).
In addition to its role in the Maha Kumbh, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) also set up an exhibition camp in Prayagraj, which became a major attraction for devotees and visitors.
According to an official statement, in January 2025, when the Maha Kumbh began, the DFC Network reached a significant milestone in freight train operations. DFCCIL operated an average of 391 trains per day on DFC tracks, with the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) running an average of 209 trains per day, and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) operating 182 trains per day.
The Maha Kumbh 2025 symbolised not just a religious gathering but also a demonstration of India’s national strength, capacity, and ambition. “It was a powerful representation of India’s logistical excellence and national pride. DFCCIL’s outstanding performance during this grand pilgrimage reinforces its commitment to advancing India’s railway infrastructure and ensuring seamless mobility for both passengers and goods,” stated DFCCIL.
During the Maha Kumbh Mela, the DFC provided essential support to the Prayagraj Division of Indian Railways by successfully diverting 100% of freight traffic from the East Central Railway and North Central Railway to the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC). This strategic move alleviated congestion on adjacent zonal railways, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the Maha Kumbh Special trains on heavily saturated routes.
The contribution of the DFC directly facilitated the efficient movement of both passenger and freight trains, allowing millions of devotees from across India and the world to reach Prayagraj without disruption. Given the scale of this year’s Maha Kumbh, uninterrupted travel was crucial, and the DFC played a key role in achieving this.In collaboration with the Prayagraj Division, Team EDFC ensured the timely operation of goods trains, thereby guaranteeing the steady supply of essential commodities such as steel, coal, fertilisers, and food grains throughout the event.
