Authorities in Prayagraj are implementing strict security and traffic management measures ahead of Maghi Purnima Snan, a significant bathing ritual at the ongoing Maha Kumbh. The preparations come after a tragic stampede last month during ‘Amrit Snaan’ claimed 30 lives and left 60 injured.
Traffic Restrictions and Crowd Management
The entire city has been designated a no vehicle zone, with only essential and emergency service vehicles allowed. This is aimed at ensuring a smooth and safe experience for the estimated 3 crore devotees expected to take a dip at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
A special traffic plan will be in place until the completion of the bathing ritual on Wednesday. Devotees traveling to Prayagraj must park their vehicles at designated parking areas outside the city. On Monday, thousands of devotees were left stranded on highways due to massive traffic jams, some stretching up to 300 km.
To monitor the crowd and traffic situation, authorities have deployed drones and AI-enabled surveillance cameras. Special arrangements have also been made for Kalpvasis—pilgrims who observe strict spiritual discipline by residing near the holy river for a month.
Enhanced Medical Facilities
Authorities have taken extensive medical precautions for the safety of devotees:
- 133 ambulances, including seven river ambulances and one air ambulance, have been stationed.
- Over 40 hospitals in Mahakumbhnagar are on high alert, with 2,000 medical personnel deployed.
- A 500-bed hospital is fully equipped, along with 30 expert doctors and 150 medical personnel from the AYUSH Ministry.
- AIIMS Delhi and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) medical experts are also on standby.
Railways and Security Arrangements
The Indian Railways has planned to run 225 special trains for Maghi Purnima, significantly increasing the number from 150 special trains deployed during Mauni Amavasya on January 29.
Security forces have been heavily deployed across the region, with multiple paramilitary companies, Rapid Action Forces, and Uttar Pradesh Police personnel managing crowd movement.
Response to Stampede Tragedy
After the deadly stampede on January 29, the Uttar Pradesh government launched ‘Operation Eleven’ to improve crowd management. Measures include:
- One-way traffic routes for devotees.
- Smooth movement on pontoon bridges to prevent overcrowding.
- Increased police deployment and additional barricades at Triveni ghats.
Officials’ Statement
Prayagraj Police Commissioner Tarun Gauba emphasized the use of AI-based monitoring and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras to track vehicle inflow. “We are implementing strict no-parking rules, and wrongly parked vehicles are being removed by cranes,” he said.
With over 10 lakh devotees performing Kalpvas at the Sangam and millions expected for the upcoming bathing ritual, authorities are working round the clock to ensure the event proceeds safely and smoothly.
Sources By Agencies