VHP Requests Special Trains for Maha Kumbh Mela
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has requested the South Central Railway (SCR) to arrange more special trains from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela celebrations.
A delegation from VHP Telangana, including Regional Vice President Bheri Sunita and other members such as Buchi Reddy, Kapil, and Kishore (Secretary of Secunderabad Division), met SCR General Manager Arun Kumar Jain. They highlighted the importance of the Maha Kumbh, a once-in-144-years event, and emphasized that crores of devotees from the two Telugu states are eager to travel to Prayagraj for the holy dip.
In their appeal, the VHP urged the SCR to run special trains from Secunderabad to Prayagraj until February 26 to accommodate the rush of pilgrims. The Maha Kumbh Mela, which lasts 45 days, began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26. The delegation pointed out that existing trains are overcrowded, especially on weekends, causing significant difficulties for devotees attempting to reach Prayagraj.
Dr. Ravinuthala Sasidhar, a national representative of the VHP, said that the railway official assured them the request would be forwarded to higher authorities in the railway board. Efforts would be made to arrange additional special trains for the convenience of the devotees.
Appeal to Airlines for Affordable Ticket Prices
The VHP Telangana has also appealed to airline companies to reduce their ticket prices to Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Dr. Sasidhar stated that current airline ticket prices from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to Prayagraj are as high as ₹32,000 or more, making it difficult for many devotees to afford.
The VHP urged airlines to show a sense of service and reconsider the steep charges, considering that many of the devotees are regular customers. Dr. Sasidhar mentioned that this matter would be brought to the attention of the Central Government and the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to ensure fair pricing for pilgrims traveling to Prayagraj.
By addressing both rail and air travel concerns, the VHP hopes to make it easier for pilgrims from the two Telugu states to participate in this rare and significant religious event.
