A sea of devotees has started converging in Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh ahead of Mauni Amavasya. With the weekend rush and the approach of the auspicious day, the city is witnessing a surge of pilgrims from all corners. Railway stations, bus stops and highways are brimming with pilgrims, all eager to reach Sangam for the sacred ritual of a holy dip.
In just the past three days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), over 1.75 crore devotees have bathed at Sangam. The crowd is expected to swell significantly, with an estimated 10 crore devotees anticipated to take a dip on the day of Mauni Amavasya. To ensure a seamless experience for the devotees, the fair administration and Kumbh police have implemented extensive preparations.
To maintain order and ensure smooth movement, the entire fair area has been declared a no-vehicle zone. Rapid progress is being made to install barricades along the banks of the Sangam to manage the crowd effectively.
Special arrangements have been made across all sectors and zones to facilitate the movement of devotees. No special protocol will be applicable during the Amrit Snan festival to prioritise public convenience.
The Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) has been activated to monitor crowd density and ensure that no excessive gathering takes place at Sangam Nose. Quick-response teams have been deployed in high-density areas to handle emergencies, while major routes are being closely monitored. Surveillance is also being conducted to track suspicious individuals and prevent any untoward incidents.
A campaign is being run against illegal shops set up by encroaching the fair area. Continuous action is also being taken, so that clean and wide roads are being provided to the devotees for smooth travel. Sanitation workers have been instructed to ensure cleanliness.
All parking areas have been activated and equipped with basic facilities for devotees. As per the traffic plan, vehicles will first be directed to the nearest parking zones, followed by alternative parking areas. Over 2,000 new signages have been installed to guide devotees in the right direction, ensuring hassle-free navigation.
Devotees are being encouraged to download the official chatbot of the fair. This chatbot provides comprehensive information to make their journey more convenient. In addition to the chatbot, Google navigation and on-ground policemen will assist pilgrims in finding the correct routes.