In anticipation of the final auspicious bathing day of the Maha Kumbh Mela on February 26, coinciding with Mahashivratri, the Prayagraj administration has announced significant traffic restrictions to manage the anticipated influx of devotees. These measures aim to ensure the safety and smooth movement of pilgrims during this monumental event.
Traffic Restrictions and No-Vehicle Zones
To effectively manage the crowd during the Mahashivratri celebrations, the following traffic regulations will be implemented:
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No-Vehicle Zones: The Mela area will be designated as a no-vehicle zone starting at 4 PM on February 25. This restriction will extend to the entire Prayagraj district from 6 PM onwards.
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Essential Services Exemptions: Vehicles providing essential services, such as those transporting milk, vegetables, medications, and fuel, as well as emergency vehicles, will be exempt from these restrictions. Government officials, including doctors, police officers, and administrative personnel, will also have unrestricted movement.
Designated Bathing Ghats for Devotees
To prevent overcrowding and ensure a safe bathing experience, devotees are advised to use specific ghats based on their entry routes:
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Uttari Jhunsi Route: Pilgrims arriving via this route should proceed to Harishchandra Ghat and Old GT Ghat.
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Dakshini Jhunsi Route: Those entering through this path are directed to Arail Ghat.
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Pande Kshetra Entrants: Devotees should utilize Bharadwaj Ghat, Nagavasuki Ghat, Mori Ghat, Kali Ghat, Ram Ghat, and Hanuman Ghat.
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Arail Area Visitors: Arail Ghat is designated for bathing.
Pontoon Bridge Management
Given the massive gathering, pontoon bridges will be regulated based on crowd density to ensure the safety of all attendees. Authorities will monitor these structures closely and may implement one-way routes or temporary closures as needed to manage the flow of pilgrims effectively.
Guidelines for Devotees
To facilitate a harmonious and safe experience during the Maha Kumbh Mela, devotees are encouraged to:
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Utilize Nearest Ghats: Bathe at the ghats closest to their entry points to minimize unnecessary movement and prevent overcrowding at specific locations.
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Visit Local Temples: Offer prayers at nearby Shiva temples instead of traveling to distant sites, aiding in crowd management and reducing travel within the city.
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Limit Unnecessary Movement: After completing rituals, pilgrims should promptly return to their accommodations or proceed to their next destination to avoid congestion.
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Adhere to Official Instructions: Follow guidelines issued by the Mela Police Administration and other authorities to maintain order and safety during the event.
Preparations and Infrastructure Enhancements
The Uttar Pradesh government has undertaken extensive preparations to accommodate the estimated 400 million visitors expected between January 13 and February 26, 2025. Efforts include constructing infrastructure over a 40-square-kilometer area, deploying 50,000 security personnel, and setting up numerous temporary facilities for pilgrims. Advanced crowd monitoring systems, such as AI-powered cameras, have been installed to enhance safety and manage the massive gatherings effectively.
Conclusion
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj represents a significant spiritual event, drawing millions of devotees from around the globe. The implemented traffic restrictions and crowd management strategies are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. By adhering to the prescribed guidelines and cooperating with authorities, pilgrims can contribute to a peaceful and spiritually enriching experience during this sacred gathering.
