The annual Mudiya Purnima Mela in Govardhan, Mathura, has officially commenced today, July 23, 2026, drawing millions of pilgrims to the holy town. The week-long religious event will continue through July 30, with the main Guru Purnima observances scheduled for July 29. To ensure smooth travel for the massive influx of devotees, both Indian Railways and the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) have rolled out comprehensive transport plans.
- Special Railway Services: Introduction of dedicated Mela special trains and extensions for existing passenger and MEMU services.
- Bus Operations: Deployment of 1,100 UPSRTC buses with fixed fares.
- Security and Infrastructure: Division of the Mela area into 9 Super Zones with extensive CCTV surveillance and medical support.
- Pilgrim Guidelines: Strict regulations on vehicle movement and Parikrama protocols to ensure safety.
Enhanced Railway Connectivity for Pilgrims
The North Eastern Railway is operating the 05307/05308 Kasganj-Mathura Junction-Kasganj Mela special train for four trips between July 26 and July 29. Furthermore, the Kasganj-Mathura Junction-Kasganj passenger train (55335/55336) has been extended to Gangapur City during this period. The Agra Division of North Central Railway has also launched specific Mela specials from July 23–31. Notably, the Veerangana Laxmi Bai Jhansi–Agra Cantt Passenger (11901/11902) will be extended to Deeg on July 29–30 and July 30–31. To accommodate the heavy footfall, several express trains will make temporary two-minute halts at Mathura Junction and Agra Cantt stations.
Road Transport and Crowd Management
UPSRTC has mobilized a fleet of 1,000 buses with 100 on standby to facilitate travel from July 23 to July 31. The fare for the Agra to Govardhan route has been set at an affordable ₹50. On the ground, the district administration has implemented a robust security framework, deploying 9,000 constables, 550 sub-inspectors, and 100 inspectors across 62 sectors. Surveillance is being handled by 183 CCTV cameras and 31 watch towers.
Important Regulations for Devotees
To maintain order and safety, the administration has enforced a complete ban on all vehicles, including e-rickshaws, on the 21-kilometer Govardhan Parikrama Marg. Pilgrims are advised that ‘Dandvati Parikrama’ is prohibited at the Danaghati Temple and along the designated route. While the Mela is being promoted as a plastic-free zone, authorities have restricted direct entry into the Manasi Ganga for bathing, offering alternative arrangements with pumped water and barricaded zones instead.