Maha Kumbh 2025: No-Vehicle Zone, VIP Passes Cancelled After Stampede in Prayagraj

Reported by Amit Singh
Prayagraj, 30th January 2025: In the wake of a tragic stampede that claimed 30 lives and left 60 injured during the Mauni Amavasya holy dip at the Maha Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced strict measures to control crowd movement and ensure the safety of devotees.

New Guidelines for Crowd Management
Following a late-night video conference with senior police officials and district officers, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued several directives to improve security and prevent further incidents.

1. No-Vehicle Zone: The Maha Kumbh area has been completely restricted for vehicle entry. VIP passes have also been cancelled, and special vehicle access will not be permitted.
2. Traffic Control: Vehicles from adjoining districts will be stopped at district borders, and entry of four-wheelers into Prayagraj has been banned until 4th February.
3. One-Way Traffic: Roads leading to the fair area have been made one-way to ease movement and avoid congestion.
4. Hawker Relocation: Roadside vendors will be shifted to vacant areas to ensure smooth traffic flow.
5. Increased Police Patrolling: More police personnel have been deployed to monitor and control crowd movement across key routes, including Ayodhya-Prayagraj, Kanpur-Prayagraj, Lucknow-Pratapgarh-Prayagraj, and Varanasi-Prayagraj.

Emergency Measures for Devotees
Chief Minister Adityanath has directed officials to establish holding areas at border points to manage the influx of pilgrims. Additionally, arrangements for food and drinking water will be made at these points to accommodate halted devotees.

With large crowds expected in Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, and Mirzapur for religious rituals in the coming days, the government has increased special train and bus services to ensure the safe departure of pilgrims from Prayagraj.

Preparations for Basant Panchami Bath
The next Amrit Snan (Royal Bath) is scheduled for 3rd February on the occasion of Basant Panchami. The Chief Minister has instructed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to review arrangements and enhance security in the fair area to avoid another disaster.

Officials are also working to barricade the fairgrounds and establish designated parking areas to prevent crowd surges.

The government remains on high alert as millions of devotees continue to arrive at the Maha Kumbh Mela, marking one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.