About Prayagraj
(erstwhile ALLAHABAD)
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is a city of immense historical, cultural, and spiritual significance in India. Revered for its purity and timeless sanctity, Prayagraj is one of the oldest cities in the world and a prominent pilgrimage destination. The city is globally renowned for the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of three sacred rivers: the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. It is this confluence that makes Prayagraj the heart of the Kumbh Mela, the largest spiritual gathering on Earth.
Cultural & Institutional Significance
Prayagraj has been the cradle of India's intellectual, spiritual, and political evolution. It has been home to great personalities like Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and many other luminaries who shaped the nation. The city hosts several premier institutions and landmarks including:
Premier Institutions
- • Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT)
- • IIIT Allahabad
- • Allahabad High Court
- • University of Allahabad
- • MLN Medical College
- • Allahabad Museum
- • National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI)
Spiritual and Tourist Attractions
- • Sangam – The Holy Confluence
- • Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Temple (lying posture idol)
- • Akshayavat (The Immortal Banyan Tree)
- • Bhardwaj Ashram
- • Naagvasuki Mandir
- • Narayani Ashram
- • Khusro Bagh
- • Anand Bhawan (previously Nehru Family's Residence)
Wide, well-maintained roads, public gardens, riverfront ghats, and landmark statues at traffic squares enhance the city's urban charm and reflect its historical grandeur.
Connectivity to Prayagraj
Prayagraj is strategically located in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh, Northern India. It enjoys robust connectivity with the rest of the country via air, rail, and road.
By Air
Prayagraj is served by the Prayagraj Airport (IXD), located at Bamrauli about 15 km from the city center. The airport offers direct domestic flights to major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata.
Frequent flights by carriers like IndiGo, Alliance Air, and Akasa Air ensure fast and convenient air travel.
By Rail
Prayagraj is a major railway junction under the North Central Railway Zone, making it one of the busiest and most connected stations in India. Key railway stations in the city include:
Direct train services connect Prayagraj with:
New Delhi: via Vande Bharat Express, Prayagraj Express, Sampoorna Kranti Express, Shatabdi Express and more.
Kolkata (Howrah): via Howrah Rajdhani, Netaji Express, Kolkata Mail and more.
Lucknow: with Vande Bharat Express, Intercity and more.
By Road
Prayagraj boasts excellent road connectivity via National Highways (NH 19, NH 30, and NH 35).
The UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) and private bus operators provide regular and reliable bus services to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, and Kolkata.
For intercity travel, Prayagraj offers a fleet of taxi services, app-based cabs & autorickshaws, ensuring smooth local commuting.
Reaching Prayagraj at a Glance
| Mode | Major Connections | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad | 1.5 to 2.5 hours flight time |
| Rail | Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Varanasi, Mumbai | Overnight or same-day express trains |
| Road | Connected via NHs to UP, Delhi & Bihar | Delhi: 10–12 hrs, Kolkata: 16-17 hrs |