Indian Railways is preparing a massive infrastructure plan for the Simhastha 2028 festival in Ujjain. Western Railway General Manager Ramashray Pandey and senior officials are working to handle an expected crowd of 15 to 20 crore devotees. The focus is on increasing train frequency and upgrading stations to ensure a smooth journey for pilgrims.
What are the major infrastructure updates for Simhastha 2028?
The Railway Ministry has approved an 8.60 km bypass rail line from Chintaman to Naikhedi at a cost of ₹189.04 crore to reduce pressure on Ujjain station. Additionally, the railway is investing ₹800 crore in various works. Ujjain station will see its foot overbridges (FOBs) increase from three to five, including one 12-meter wide bridge, and holding areas for 50,000 passengers are being developed.
How many trains will operate and what is the timeline?
To manage the massive rush, the railways plan to operate between 7,500 and 7,800 trains, a huge jump from the 2,200 trains run in 2016. The target is to complete all major construction work by October-November 2027, with temporary holding areas ready by December 2027. AI-based smart cameras will also be installed at Ujjain and six satellite stations for 24×7 monitoring and crowd detection.
Key project details and budget
| Project/Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Expected Devotees | 15 to 20 Crore |
| Planned Trains | 7,500 to 7,800 |
| Bypass Line Cost | ₹189.04 Crore |
| State Govt Budget | ₹5,882 Crore |
| Total Railway Investment | ₹800 Crore |
| Completion Deadline | Oct-Nov 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many trains will run during Simhastha 2028?
Indian Railways plans to operate between 7,500 and 7,800 trains to accommodate the 15-20 crore devotees expected during the festival.
What is the purpose of the new bypass line in Ujjain?
The 8.60 km bypass line from Chintaman to Naikhedi, costing ₹189.04 crore, is being built to reduce traffic congestion at the main Ujjain railway station.