Railways to run Allahabad-Delhi special trains to ferry Pravasi delegates
What's the story
The Indian Railways has firmed up plans to run special 'Pravasi Bharti' trains between Allahabad and Delhi to ferry delegates of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas from the Kumbh Mela in time for the Republic Day event in the national capital, sources said.
The 15th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas will be held in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency, Varanasi from January 21 to 23.
Here's more.
Registration
Interested for 'Kumbh Snan'? Register yourself before November 15
Railways will convert all third AC coaches of special trains to second AC for providing more comfort to delegates.
The Indian diaspora attending the event would participate in the 'Kumbh Snan', preparations for which have been made at the Sangam for the delegates.
Those interested in participating in the holy bath have to register on the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas website by November 15.
Details
Pravasi delegates will visit Kumbh on January 24
According to the website of the Ministry of External Affairs, the Kumbh will be taking place from January 14 to March 4, 2019, in Allahabad in which the Indian Railways will be ferrying lakhs of devotees from across the country for their holy dips.
However, the date for the Pravasi delegates to visit the Kumbh will be January 24.
Government plans
Officials concerned over expected heavy fog during the event
The government has instructed the Railways to activate its vast resources and scale up the deployment of such trains to carry up to 5,000 delegates who will be in Prayagraj in Allahabad.
According to the sources, officials in the national transporter are apprehensive about the journey as heavy fog during peak winters is likely to delay trains on the route.
Information
Railways will increase the frequency of trains between Allahabad, Delhi
The shortest distance between the Allahabad and New Delhi is approximately 630km and the minimum time a train takes to reach Allahabad is 6h 44m. Keeping in view a large number of pilgrims, Railways will also increase the frequency of trains between the two cities.
Accomodation
Meeting to review plans will be held tomorrow by MEA
The delegates will be accommodated at Prayagraj and the Railways' catering arm, IRCTC, will provide the complimentary dinner and breakfast to them.
A meeting for a review of plans for the Pravasiya Bharatiya Divas delegates has been scheduled by the MEA on Monday, which will be attended by representatives of all the Ministries associated with the event including the Railways.
Preparations
Rs. 2,500 crore allotted for Kumbh Mela by the Union
The national transporter has been asked to provide details of the number of trains that they will run for the delegates and also lay down a blueprint for the promotion of Indian Railways during the event.
Preparations are underway for this 'Kumbh Mela', for which the Union and state governments have allocated a massive budget of Rs. 2,500 crore.
Information
Tourism Ministry promoting 'Kumbh' event in European countries
The Union Tourism Ministry is also organizing roadshows and taking part in events, especially in European countries, to raise awareness about this mega event i.e 'Kumbh Mela'.