With a massive influx of devotees expected for Maghi Purnima, a key bathing occasion at the ongoing Maha Kumbh, authorities in Prayagraj have enforced strict traffic regulations to manage the anticipated crowd. Given that crores of pilgrims are likely to gather at the Sangam for the holy dip, officials have introduced extensive movement restrictions to prevent overcrowding. These measures come in the aftermath of the January 29 stampede, which resulted in the tragic loss of at least 30 lives.
To ensure smooth crowd management, the fairground has been designated a no-vehicle zone from 4 am on Tuesday. The restrictions will expand citywide starting at 5 pm, with designated parking zones arranged for incoming pilgrims. These traffic controls will remain in force until Wednesday to facilitate an orderly dispersal of devotees. However, emergency and essential services will not be affected by the curbs.
Additionally, the restrictions will extend to Kalpvasis-pilgrims who observe extended stays near the Sangam as part of their religious practice.
On Monday night, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened a high-level meeting with police and civic officials to assess readiness for Maghi Purnima. Stressing the importance of seamless traffic and crowd management, he instructed authorities to fully utilise parking facilities capable of accommodating over five Lakh vehicles.
“Under no circumstances should there be long vehicle queues. Ensuring smooth traffic flow is a top priority,” he directed.
He noted that over the past week, the influx of devotees into Prayagraj has significantly increased from all directions. In addition to public transport, a large number of private vehicles are also arriving, and this number is expected to rise further on the bathing festival. In light of this, a well-structured traffic and crowd management plan must be implemented.
“Parking facilities at Prayagraj’s borders should be operated efficiently. The available parking capacity of over five Lakh vehicles must be fully utilised. While providing necessary support to children, women, and the elderly, no vehicle should be allowed to enter the fair premises in violation of regulations. Shuttle buses should be used as required, with an increase in their numbers as per demand. Devotees must be encouraged to follow the designated parking system, and they should be treated cooperatively and respectfully,” Yogi instructed officials.
No long queues of vehicles should be allowed to form on the roads, and traffic congestion must be prevented at all costs. Strict measures should be taken to ensure that vehicles are not parked on the roads, and vehicular movement remains continuous and unobstructed. District Magistrates of all districts sharing a border with Prayagraj must maintain constant coordination with the Prayagraj administration to ensure smooth vehicle movement. Mutual coordination should be maintained to prevent congestion in the fair area, and barricading should be installed where necessary. There should be no traffic jams due to toll collection.
CM said, “Railway stations in Prayagraj are witnessing a large number of devotees returning home after taking a holy dip. Authorities have been directed to ensure their safe journey. Continuous operation of trains should be ensured by maintaining coordination with the Railways, and additional Transport Corporation buses should be deployed for better passenger movement.”
He also ordered deployment of 28 administrative officers of ADM and SDM levels, along with several police officers. “Their services should be utilised as needed, with police officers specifically assigned to traffic management,” he said and added: “Continuous police patrolling should be ensured on all routes leading to Prayagraj to regulate traffic effectively and maintain order.”
