Preparations are underway in Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh on Mauni Amavasya, January 29, with significant measures to ensure security and crowd management. The Uttar Pradesh government officials confirmed the area will be a no-vehicle and no-VIP zone, meaning no special protocols or passes for dignitaries or visitors, including devotees. Vehicles must park in designated areas and will not be permitted beyond those points.
To facilitate smooth movement, pontoon bridges will operate on a one-way traffic basis; otherwise, they will be closed. Akharas will enter and exit based on specific times assigned to them. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna emphasized the zonal system for bathers, instructing pilgrims from the Arail side to use Arail Ghat and those from the Jhusi side to use Jhusi Ghat.
From January 27 to January 30, no vehicles will be allowed in the Kumbh area, and the no-VIP protocol will remain in effect throughout this period. As 13 akharas will participate in the Shahi or Amrit Snan on January 29, special entry and exit routes have been prepared specifically for them in the Sangam area. Additional security personnel will monitor these pathways to maintain order and safety.
Moreover, in response to the state government’s request, the Railways has developed a special plan to manage train movements effectively, preventing overcrowding at railway stations. This includes operating 150 trains to nine railway stations in Prayagraj on Mauni Amavasya, ensuring a smoother travel experience for the thousands expected to attend the event. Overall, these comprehensive arrangements aim to create a safe and organized environment for one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
On Mauni Amavasya, a train will operate every 4 minutes from Prayagraj, as approximately 8-10 crore pilgrims are anticipated to take a holy dip, with 10-20 lakh expected to travel by train. Not only Prayagraj, but Ayodhya, Varanasi, and other religious towns are also on high alert for large pilgrim influx. Ayodhya, in particular, might see an average daily footfall of 10-15 lakh due to the recent surge in visitors to the temple town.
The three-day period commencing from January 14 (Makar Sankranti) to January 16 noticed substantial visitor counts: Ayodhya welcomed about 10 lakh pilgrims, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi documented 7.41 lakh, while Vindhyavasini Dham in Mirzapur saw approximately 5 lakh. Authorities have been advised to implement essential arrangements as they anticipate a fourfold increase in visitors following the Mauni Amavasya bath.
Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh criticized the government for inadequate preparations at the Maha Kumbh for sadhus and pilgrims, urging them to rectify past mistakes and enhance arrangements for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya, predicting that crowd numbers would quadruple. He pushed for the closure of VIP entries until Basant Panchami, which falls on February 2.
Furthermore, notable political figures are expected to partake in the festivities, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah likely to take a dip at the Sangam later this month, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to visit Prayagraj in early February. In summary, Mauni Amavasya is set to attract massive crowds, prompting heightened readiness among religious sites and officials monitoring the situation closely to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.
