Prayagraj today
Prayagraj Junction (station code PRYJ), known as Allahabad Junction until 2020, is the main railway station of Prayagraj and the headquarters station of the North Central Railway zone. It is the headquarters of the Prayagraj division and is counted among the top hundred booking stations of Indian Railways. It sits on the Howrah–Delhi main line and on the Howrah–Prayagraj–Mumbai line.
Prayagraj through the years
Prayagraj is one of the oldest railway centres in north India:
- 1859: the first train runs from Prayagraj to Kanpur.
- 1864: through services begin, with coaches ferried across the Yamuna by boat.
- 1865–66: through trains start running after the Old Naini Bridge over the Yamuna is completed.
- 1902: the Curzon Bridge across the Ganges opens, linking Prayagraj to the regions north of the river.
- 1965–66: the Cheoki–Subedarganj section is electrified.
- February 2020: the station is renamed Prayagraj Junction, after the city's name change; the code changed from ALD to PRYJ.
Platforms and entrances
Trains use 10 platforms on 20 tracks, some 317 metres up. It has two entrances on opposite sides:
| Entrance | Side |
|---|---|
| City side | South, towards the old city |
| Civil Lines side | North, towards Civil Lines |
Choosing the side nearer your destination can save a long detour by road. Facilities include retiring rooms, a dormitory, Wi-Fi and an airport-style boarding facility with check-in counters.
The Kumbh Mela
Every 12 years Prayagraj hosts the Kumbh Mela at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, one of the largest gatherings of people on Earth. The railways plan for years in advance. For the Maha Kumbh 2025, Indian Railways announced more than 10,000 trains, including about 3,300 special trains, to carry pilgrims to Prayagraj and the surrounding stations. During melas, crowd-control arrangements such as passenger holding areas are set up, and many special trains use the city's other stations to spread the crowds.
Prayagraj by metro, bus and road
- Other Prayagraj stations: Prayagraj Rambagh, Prayagraj Sangam, Naini and Subedarganj also serve the city. During melas, many special trains use them.
- Road: city buses, autorickshaws and e-rickshaws from both entrances; the Civil Lines bus stand is close to the northern side.
- Nearby rail: Kanpur Central to the west and Varanasi to the east are both a few hours away by train.
Prayagraj pointers
- Old tickets and maps may still say Allahabad (ALD); the station is the same.
- During Kumbh and Magh Mela periods, check which station your special train actually uses, and expect controlled entry.
- Through trains on the Howrah–Delhi trunk often halt briefly; live running status helps you time your arrival at the City side or Civil Lines entrance.