National Capital Region launches major railway infrastructure projects ahead of 2031 Kumbh Mela.

In preparation for the 2031 Kumbh Mela, the North Central Railway (NCR) has approved a series of major infrastructure projects in Prayagraj, including the construction of a modern holiday home for railway employees at Gaughat and the large-scale redevelopment of Subedarganj Railway Station.

Railway officials said a budget of ₹3.61 crore has been sanctioned for a multi-storey holiday home at Gaughat, with the tender process already underway. The land, valued at nearly ₹100 crore, had remained under encroachment for almost 50 years before being cleared recently during a special anti-encroachment drive by the railway administration.

According to NCR Chief Public Relations Officer Shashikant Tripathi, the proposed facility will provide accommodation and modern amenities for railway staff deployed during major events such as the Magh Mela and Maha Kumbh, when workforce deployment in Prayagraj increases significantly. The building will include multiple rooms, rest areas, drinking water facilities, toilets and other essential infrastructure for staff comfort.

Meanwhile, work has also begun on expanding Subedarganj station into a major satellite railway hub ahead of Kumbh 2031. The railway has sanctioned ₹13 crore to increase the number of platforms from six to eight, with tenders for the project already floated.

Officials said two new platforms will be developed near the Sulemsarai side adjacent to the existing platform number six, requiring the shifting of railway lines two and three. The redevelopment is expected to be completed within 18 months.

Once completed, the platform layout and numbering will be reorganised, with new platforms six and seven coming up towards the GT Road side, while the existing platform six will be renumbered as platform eight. Authorities said all eight platforms will be aligned for improved visibility and operational efficiency.

A new foot over bridge connecting platforms 1 to 8 will also be constructed to enhance passenger movement and improve station accessibility.