Indian Railways has unveiled a comprehensive travel plan to ensure smooth transit for millions of pilgrims participating in the Kanwar Yatra 2026. The pilgrimage, which officially commences on July 30 and concludes on August 11, will see a significant boost in rail connectivity. Key highlights of the railway arrangements include:
- Five special train services, including three unreserved Kanwar Mela Specials.
- Extension of Delhi-Shamli-Delhi DMU (74022/74023) and Delhi-Saharanpur-Delhi MEMU (64557/64558) up to Haridwar.
- Temporary 2-3 minute halts for express trains at Raiwala, Motichur, Jwalapur, and Kankather stations.
- Special services between Bihar and Jharkhand for the Shravani Mela, including the Jayanagar-Asansol-Jayanagar Special (05597/05598).
Railway Operations and Schedule
To accommodate the massive surge in passenger traffic, special trains will run from July 30 to August 13 for departures from Delhi, and from July 31 to August 14 for departures from Haridwar. According to Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Mahesh Yadav, besides the dedicated Kanwar Mela Special (04314) running daily between Haridwar and Delhi Shahdara, the railway will also operate special services connecting Yoganagari Rishikesh with Delhi Shahdara and Alam Nagar. Furthermore, regular trains are expected to see additional coaches attached to manage the rush, while the Jayanagar-Asansol-Jayanagar Special will complete 14 trips between July 31 and August 30, 2026.
Safety and Infrastructure Measures
The state governments of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh are coordinating closely with railway authorities to ensure pilgrim safety. In Haridwar, the Kanwar area has been divided into four zones and 13 sectors, equipped with CCTV and drone surveillance. Officials have strictly prohibited the carrying of weapons and have mandated that vehicles avoid overloading. To support the influx of pilgrims, over 6.30 crore rupees have been allocated for infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of 6,265 LED lights along routes.
Facility Enhancements
Passenger convenience remains a top priority, with the provision of 24-hour medical teams, ambulances, and ‘Pink Toilets’ for women across the pilgrimage route. Authorities have also implemented strict quality checks on food outlets and mandated daily sanitation and clean drinking water supplies. As a policy measure, the sale of meat and liquor is strictly banned along the Kanwar routes in Rishikesh, and guidelines regarding DJ sound intensity and the maximum height of Kanwars will be strictly enforced to maintain order and public safety.