Indian Railways has unveiled a comprehensive transport plan to assist the thousands of pilgrims expected to attend the annual Mudiya Purnima Mela in Govardhan, Mathura. The festival is set to take place from July 23 to July 30, 2026, with special railway operations scheduled to run from July 24 to August 1, 2026. To ensure a smooth travel experience, the authorities have introduced new services, extended existing routes, and increased station-level amenities.
Key highlights of the Mela special arrangements include:
- Introduction of 05307/05308 Kasganj-Mathura Jn-Kasganj Mela unreserved special trains running from July 26 to July 29.
- Temporary extension of several passenger and express services, including the 55335/55336 Kasganj-Mathura train to Gangapur City.
- Extension of 11901/11902 Jhansi-Agra Cantt Passenger to Deeg and 14212/14211 New Delhi-Agra Cantt Intercity to Gwalior.
- Implementation of two-minute temporary halts for four South Indian express trains (12652, 12708, 12642, 12650) at Mathura and Agra Cantt.
- Deployment of 21 additional ticket counters at Mathura Junction and 4 at Govardhan to reduce passenger queues.
Enhanced Passenger Facilities and Operations
To handle the massive influx of devotees, DRM Agra Gagan Goyal has personally reviewed the infrastructure at Mathura Junction. The railway administration is leaving no stone unturned to maintain safety and hygiene. Approximately 80 additional commercial staff have been deployed to manage crowd control and assist passengers. Furthermore, the stations of Mathura Junction, Bhuteshwar, and Govardhan will feature enhanced sanitation measures, including increased cleaning staff and additional dustbins.
For medical emergencies, 24-hour medical camps, first aid centers, and ambulance services have been established at Mathura Junction. To further improve accessibility, the road at the second entrance of Mathura Junction (Mal Godam Road side) is currently undergoing beautification and repair work.
Coordinated Connectivity
In addition to the rail services, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) is coordinating with the railways to operate around 1,000 additional buses, ensuring seamless last-mile connectivity for pilgrims traveling between the railway stations and the Mela grounds. Passengers are advised to check the official IRCTC website or the NTES app for real-time updates regarding the exact timings of these special services as the dates approach.