Simhastha 2028: Railways plans 125-plus special trains from Indore, Ujjain

More than 125 special trains will be operated to handle the expected pilgrim rush during Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain, with the Railways also accelerating infrastructure projects in and around Indore.

Railway Board chairman Satish Kumar reviewed key railway projects in Indore on Sunday and said the special trains would connect Ujjain, Indore and nearby cities.

“Over 125 special trains will link Ujjain, Indore, and nearby cities. Plans are also underway to regularize several existing special trains originating from Indore. Railways will focus on ensuring normal fare structures so that additional financial burden is not passed onto commuters and pilgrims,” Kumar said.

Kumar reviewed the redevelopment project at Indore railway station, inspected the Shastri Bridge overbridge site and took stock of major regional railway corridors.

Officials were directed to speed up work on the Indore-Manmad, Indore-Khandwa and Indore-Ujjain railway lines to increase regional rail capacity ahead of the religious event.

The Railway Board chairman also said several existing special trains originating from Indore are being considered for regularisation.

Security arrangements at railway stations will also receive a technology upgrade. Artificial intelligence-enabled CCTV cameras with facial-recognition and scanning capabilities are planned to improve security and help track suspicious activity.

Kumar also said the updated redevelopment master plan for Indore railway station would be submitted to the Railway Board for final administrative clearance.

“The updated redevelopment master plan for Indore station will be submitted to the Railway Board for final administrative clearance,” he said.

The proposed railway measures are part of preparations for Simhastha 2028, when Ujjain is expected to see a major increase in passenger movement.

The Railways is focusing on improving capacity on regional routes and ensuring that Indore and Ujjain are better connected ahead of the event.

The infrastructure review also covers projects that will strengthen rail connectivity between Indore and other important destinations in Madhya Pradesh.