The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is providing a significant boost to freight operations on the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), which began services in November 2023. In response to the event, Indian Railways has diverted several freight trains, typically operating on the regular railway network, to the EDFC to manage traffic and prioritise the movement of passenger trains for the millions of devotees expected at the event.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, which started on January 13, is a 45-day-long spiritual and cultural celebration expected to attract between 400 million and 450 million attendees.

Under a special arrangement, Indian Railways compensates DFCCIL with Track Access Charges for utilising the EDFC network. This marks the first instance of freight operations being diverted to the EDFC from the broader railway network.

The EDFC, spanning 1,337 kilometers from Ludhiana (Punjab) to Dankuni (West Bengal), primarily handles freight such as coal, fertilisers, food grains, steel coils, limestone, and granite. During the Kumbh Mela, these trains will largely follow the EDFC route, with feeder lines connecting to the Indian Railways network for cargo loading and unloading.

DFCCIL expressed interest in continuing this arrangement beyond the Kumbh Mela, aiming for a full transition of freight operations to the EDFC. However, an Indian Railways official clarified that the diversion is a temporary measure to address traffic congestion on the network during this period.

The EDFC bypasses densely populated towns like Prayagraj, Kanpur, and Etawah, facilitating smoother freight movement. In 2024, the opening of the DFC route between New Khurja Junction and New Rewari Junction strengthened connectivity between the EDFC and Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), which is set to be completed by the end of 2025. This will enable seamless connectivity between northern India and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.