A sea of devotees embarking on a spiritual sojourn to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh found themselves ensnared in an unprecedented traffic debacle ahead of Maghi Purnima.
To streamline the ‘Maghi Purnima Snan’ proceedings, set for Wednesday, February 12, authorities have designated the entire Maha Kumbh precinct as a ‘no vehicle zone,’ following a harrowing episode where multitudes were trapped in gridlocks exceeding 30 hours at multiple junctures.
Countless pilgrims en route to Prayagraj encountered traffic bottlenecks reportedly extending over 300 kilometers on Monday, precipitating a situation so dire that law enforcement personnel were seen advising individuals to turn back, underscoring the severity of the predicament.
Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar, in a statement to news agency PTI, emphasized that these vehicular impediments stem not from administrative lapses but rather from the gargantuan influx of devotees. He underscored that Maha Kumbh 2025 has witnessed the largest human congregation in recorded history, with over 40 crore worshippers having already performed the sacred ablution at the Sangam since January 13, and an unrelenting influx of visitors continuing each day.
Maha Kumbh Traffic Advisory for Maghi Purnima
In anticipation of an escalating tide of devotees converging for the ‘Maghi Purnima Snan,’ the Maha Kumbh district administration has orchestrated a meticulous traffic blueprint.
No Vehicle Zone: The entire mela terrain will be off-limits to vehicles starting February 11 at 4 am, ensuring seamless facilitation of the ritualistic bathing process. Only essential and emergency service vehicles will be allowed.
Citywide Restrictions: A parallel restriction will be enforced across Prayagraj from 5 pm on February 11, exempting critical services.
Designated Parking: Pilgrims arriving from external locations will be required to station their vehicles at designated parking spaces along prescribed routes post-4 am on February 11. Emergency service vehicles will be afforded exemptions.
Duration of Measures: These stringent traffic protocols will persist until the orderly dispersal of devotees from the mela premises on February 12.
Kalpvasi Vehicle Regulations: The vehicular ingress and egress restrictions within Prayagraj and the mela zone shall also apply to vehicles owned by ‘Kalpvasi’ participants.
The administration remains steadfast in its resolve to facilitate an unhindered pilgrimage experience, urging devotees to comply with the outlined measures for a seamless spiritual journey.
