Cruise services to start at Prayagraj ahead of Kumbh Mela

PRAYAGRAJ (ALLAHABAD): With few weeks left before the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, kick-starts from January 15 next year, the Uttar Pradesh administration is taking all steps to ensure smooth travelling for the lakhs of devotees who would attend the event over the course of approximately 55 days.
Apart from rail, road and airways, the government would be providing cruise services from Varanasi to Prayagraj from the next year ahead of Kumbh Mela.| Read this in Hindi
Devotees and other visitors would also be able to visit tourist spots near Prayagraj via cruise.
President of Indian Inland Waterways Authority Praveer Pandey said that all arrangements have been made for the cruise service. Five temporary terminals have been set up in river Ganga and Yamuna to ensure smooth service.
Pandey further added that two ships-CN Kasturba (capacity 150 people) and SL Kamla-have already reached Prayagraj. Private cruise operators would also be issued licences to operate during the Kumbh Mela.
Preparations to start cargo service on 1,620-km-long Haldiya-Prayagraj route have also been expedited, said Pandey.