Mahakumbh declared no vehicle zone

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Mahakumbh declared no vehicle zone

Friday, 31 January 2025 | Biswajeet Banerjee | Mahakumbh Nagar

Mahakumbh declared no vehicle zone

Following the tragic stampede at the Sangam during the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, which led to multiple casualties, the administration has taken strict measures to prevent such incidents in the future. As part of these efforts, the entire Kumbh Mela area has been declared a no-vehicle zone, barring all types of vehicles from entering the premises and has canceled all VIP passes till February 4.

One of the most significant decisions includes the complete restriction on vehicle movement within the fairgrounds. No private or public transport will be allowed inside, ensuring a safer and more organized movement of pilgrims. Additionally, VVIP passes, which previously allowed certain vehicles access, have been revoked. No special passes will grant exemptions, making the rules uniform for everyone.

To facilitate smooth movement and prevent overcrowding, all major routes within the Kumbh area have been converted into one-way paths. This measure aims to streamline the flow of devotees and reduce the chances of congestion. Furthermore, vehicles coming from neighboring districts are being stopped at the district borders, preventing an influx of additional traffic into the city.

The strictest measures will remain in place until February 4, with a complete ban on four-wheelers in Prayagraj. The administration has urged devotees to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth experience at the Maha Kumbh. Authorities have also called for public cooperation in maintaining order and avoiding any further mishaps.

Lakhs of devotees heading to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh Mela are stranded in massive traffic jams but remain resolute in their quest for a holy dip at the Sangam. Despite extreme congestion, freezing nights, and lack of basic amenities, their faith remains unshaken.

The traffic congestion has reached alarming levels, with over 2.5 lakh vehicles stuck at multiple entry points, including Chitrakoot, Varanasi, and Rewa-Prayagraj routes. Traffic jams extend up to 25 kilometers in some areas, bringing vehicular movement to a near standstill.

Many devotees, like Atmaram Patil from Maharashtra, have spent days in transit, only to be told to turn back. Others, unwilling to abandon their pilgrimage, have resorted to walking long distances to reach their sacred destination.

The situation has been particularly grim along the Varanasi-Prayagraj stretch, where a 20-kilometer-long jam has left hundreds of buses stranded. Vehicles have been halted at key points such as Bhadohi, Gopiganj, and Aurai, with passengers left without basic facilities. Many travelers, including Vasudev Bhalladwar from Chhattisgarh, have been forced to endure the bitter cold with no access to food, water, or toilets. The lack of arrangements for the stranded pilgrims has led to growing frustration, yet their devotion remains unwavering.

Those approaching Prayagraj from Mirzapur and Bhadohi face similar hardships. Roadway buses have been turned back, and thousands of people are stranded at various points with little assistance. In some areas, local residents have stepped in to provide food and water, but the scale of the crisis has left many without relief. Some devotees have voiced their anger, alleging that VIP vehicles are being given priority while common pilgrims are left to fend for themselves. Despite these challenges, most remain firm in their resolve to reach the Sangam, refusing to consider alternate bathing sites offered to them along the way.

Train travel has also been severely affected, with several passenger trains, including the Allahabad-Prayagraj Passenger and Jaunpur-Bareilly Passenger, being canceled. The rerouting of other trains, such as the LTT Express via Varanasi, has further disrupted travel plans. At Pratapgarh and other key railway junctions, thousands of devotees are stranded, waiting desperately for alternate transportation. Meanwhile, along the Rewa-Prayagraj route, nearly 50,000 vehicles have been halted at the Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border, with authorities struggling to manage the situation.

Despite the severe hardships, the spirit of the pilgrims remains unbroken. Braving hunger, cold, and exhaustion, they continue their journey with unwavering faith, determined to take their sacred dip in the Ganga. For them, no hardship is too great in pursuit of this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.

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