A train windowpane on the Prayagraj Tapti Ganga Express, traveling from Surat to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, was damaged after being struck by a stone near Jalgaon, Maharashtra. The incident, captured in a video, caused concern among passengers, particularly devotees heading to the Maha Kumbh festival.

The affected B6 coach carried 13 passengers, including women, children, and devotees. One passenger, Rajendra Gupta, shared the video, saying, “Around 3 km ahead of Jalgaon, some anti-social elements threw a stone at the train. We urge the Railway Minister to ensure our safety.”

The video has since gone viral on social media. Authorities, including the Central Railway and local police, have launched an investigation into the matter. Swapnil Neela, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, confirmed that the Railway Protection Force deployed four teams to the train and lodged a formal complaint. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed.

The Prayagraj Tapti Ganga Express is transporting nearly 45% of its passengers to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, which is expected to be a grand event. This year’s Maha Kumbh, running from January 13 to February 26, coincides with a rare planetary alignment, adding to its significance.

The festival, deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, celebrates the mythical "Samudra Manthan" or "churning of the ocean," during which four drops of nectar of immortality fell on Earth. Prayagraj, one of these sacred sites, hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years, while other drops are associated with Nashik, Ujjain, and Haridwar.

The last major event at Prayagraj, the Ardh Kumbh in 2019, drew an estimated 240 million pilgrims. The current Maha Kumbh is expected to attract millions more, with the central ritual involving bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati rivers. Devotees believe this purifies their sins, breaking the cycle of rebirth and granting salvation.

The Prayagraj Tapti Ganga Express is scheduled to reach its destination on the morning of January 13, in time for the opening of the festival.