Good news for Chandigarh travelers to Mahakumbh: special bus direct to Prayagraj, details on timing and fare here

The MahaKumbh 2025 started on January 13 in Prayagraj, attracting millions of pilgrims from across the country and around the world. With the large crowds, the demand for travel has been high. Despite over 3,000 special trains and expensive flights, many pilgrims are struggling to find seats. To solve this issue for people in Chandigarh and nearby areas, the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) has launched a special bus service to Prayagraj. The first bus from Chandigarh's ISBT-17 to MahaKumbh left on January 23, 2025, marking the beginning of a daily service.

The special bus service will run daily from Chandigarh to Prayagraj and vice versa, until February 26, 2025. The buses will depart from Chandigarh at 12 PM and reach Prayagraj the next morning by around 7 AM. The return buses will leave Prayagraj at 5 PM and reach Chandigarh by noon the following day. The journey is expected to take approximately 19 hours. While the exact stops along the route have not been specified, passengers can request breaks for refreshments during the journey.

Fare and comfort

The bus will be an AC, 52-seater. The ticket price is set at INR 1,662. Passengers can book their seats either online or offline. For offline bookings, people can visit Counter No. 27 at ISBT-17. The buses will be equipped with comfortable seating, mobile charging facilities, and other amenities to ensure a pleasant journey. Additionally, two drivers will be present on each bus, and their shifts will be changed after every 8 hours to ensure safe travel.

Given the growing number of pilgrims traveling to the MahaKumbh, more buses may be introduced if needed. The Chandigarh transport department anticipates higher demand in the coming days, and additional buses will be deployed to accommodate more passengers.

Due to high demand, the bus for January 27 is already fully booked. Therefore, pilgrims are advised to avoid traveling on this date if possible. For other dates, it is recommended to book seats in advance to ensure a seat.

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Recently, CTU added 60 new non-AC buses to its fleet, each with 52 seats and equipped with safety features like CCTV cameras, GPS, and panic buttons. These buses are used for various routes, including religious destinations like Jwala Ji, Talwandi Sabo, and Haridwar.

MahaKumbh's cultural significance

The MahaKumbh Mela is a time when millions gather for spiritual rituals, and it holds great importance for Hindus. The event brings together people from all walks of life, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. In addition to the religious significance, the MahaKumbh also serves as a powerful symbol of unity and peace, as everyone joins together in one common space.

The special bus service from Chandigarh to Prayagraj offers a much-needed travel option for those wanting to attend the MahaKumbh. With the increasing demand, it is expected that this service will help alleviate the transportation challenges for pilgrims. Whether you're traveling from Chandigarh or other parts of the region, this bus service will make the spiritual journey to the MahaKumbh more accessible and comfortable.