Collector R. Revathi reviewing the preparations at the site identified for setting up temporary bus stand at Karuppur near Kumbakonam for the forthcoming Mahamagam festival.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Thanjavur District Rail Users Association has welcomed the allocation of 15 rakes to Southern Railway to cater to the needs of Kumbakonam “Mahamaggam” pilgrims in 2028.According to association secretary A. Giri, the Railway Board has written to the Railway Zonal General Managers to keep ready 150 rakes consisting of 20 coaches each duly checked for safety and technical aspects for operating specials trains during the mega events such as Kumbh Melas to be held in 2027 at Haridwar (January to April 2027) and Nasik (August to September 2027), the Godhavari Pushkaram (June to July 2027), “Mahamagam” at Kumbakonam during February to March in 2028, followed by Kumbh Mela at Ujjain during March to May 2028. Of the 150 rakes, 15 have been allotted to Southern Railway.The General Managers have been asked to ensure that the special rakes had “zero-deficiency” with respect to passenger amenities such as lavatory fittings, seating, and window locking arrangements, charging sockets, fans, lights and others. They were directed to pay extra attention to under gear and other safety aspects of the coaches.While welcoming the preparations for operating special services to cater to the needs of pilgrims planning to take part in the mega events slated for 2027 and 2028 by utilising the services to be offered by the Indian Railways, the association urged the Southern Railway to post an officer on Special Duty not below the rank of Senior Administrative grade for Mahamagam festival at Kumbakonam. This will enable better coordination with public bodies and other departments, supervision of ongoing development work, planning for proper passenger transportation management, including operation of special trains for the festival, the association secretary claimed.Meanwhile, the Thanjavur district administration has identified a site at Karuppur on the outskirts of Kumbakonam for setting up a temporary bus stand during the “Mahamagam” period since the existing Kumbakonam mofussil bus stand is located very close to the Mahamagam tank. Published - August 31, 2026 06:44 pm IST
