No vehicles will be allowed in the Maha Kumbh mela area from 4 AM on Tuesday, while the no-entry rule will be applicable in entire Prayagraj from 5 PM. This ban will remain till Wednesday. The arrangements have been made in view of the Magh Purnima on February 12.
There is a belief that if a person observes ‘Kalpvas’ on the banks of Sangam in Prayagraj (during Maha Kumbh) till Magh month, he/she gets the fruits of penance of thousand years. According to the tradition, ‘Kalpvas’ is ending on 12 February, Magh Purnima. All ‘Kalpvasis’ will end their ‘Kalpvas’ by taking bath in the holy Sangam on Purnima Tithi, as per the rules.
What is ‘Kalpvas’? ‘Kalpavas’ finds mention in scriptures like Mahabharata and refers to the practice of a month-long period of austerity and spiritual focus. People who observe this ritual are known as ‘Kalpvashis’. These ‘Kalpavashis’ are expected to renounce modern comforts and live in tents near the Sangam.
The fresh traffic rules comes two days after a 300-kilometer-long traffic jam paralysed Prayagraj as sea of devotees approached the city to take holy dip in Triveni Sangam.
Amid the criticism, UP DGP Prashant Kumar said, “The sheer scale of this spiritual gathering has pushed the infrastructure of Prayagraj beyond its maximum capacity, making delays in traffic movement inevitable.”
The Uttar Pradesh administration said that till February 10, more than 44,74,00,000 people have taken the holy dip in Maha Kumbh. On Tuesday, till around 8 AM, 49,68,000 had taken the holy dip.
Traffic Restrictions
• From 4 AM on February 11, the entire Kumbh Mela area has been turned into a ‘No Vehicle Zone.’ Only essential and emergency services are being allowed entry to ensure the safety and ease of pilgrims.
• Parking for private and public vehicles of pilgrims, who are arriving from outside Prayagraj, will be directed to designated parking areas after 4 AM. This will prevent traffic congestion in the city and ensure that pilgrims can easily walk to the bathing ghats, an official said.
• The entire city of Prayagraj will also be declared a ‘No Vehicle Zone’ starting from 5:00 PM on February 11. Only emergency services will be exempt from this restriction.
• The restrictions will continue Until February 12. This special traffic plan will remain in place until the completion of the Magh Purnima bath.
• Restrictions on vehicles of ‘Kalpvasis’ (pilgrims living in temporary camps) will also be subject to these vehicle restrictions. The administration has urged all ‘Kalpvasis’ to follow the rules and use authorized parking spaces.
• The Uttar Pradesh administration has requested pilgrims to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate to ensure the smooth and safe completion of this important Kumbh bathing event.
What Did UP DGP Say?
“Maha Kumbh 2025 is witnessing the largest congregation of humanity in the history. With over 40 crore pilgrims having already taken a sacred dip at the Sangam and millions arriving each day, managing the unprecedented movement of people and vehicles is a challenge that no city, no administration, and no police force in the world has ever encountered before,” DGP Prashant Kumar said.
“…Making delays in traffic movement is inevitable; not due to mismanagement, but due to the sheer volume of devotees. Despite these challenges, UP Police personnel — from constables on the ground to senior officers — are working tirelessly, ensuring smooth traffic flow, assisting pilgrims, and maintaining law and order with exceptional patience and skill,” he further said.
The Uttar Pradesh DGP said, “Managing this ocean of humanity is a Herculean task, and every police officer on duty is displaying unmatched dedication to making Maha Kumbh 2025 a safe and seamless experience for all.”
Amid Heavy Devotee Influx, CM Yogi Boosts Traffic Arrangements
• More administrative officers have been deployed for the Mahakumbh mela.
• Three IAS officers and 25 PCS officers have been appointed for the arrangement.
• For the convenience of pilgrims, 28 additional officers have been deployed. They have been instructed to reach the mela site immediately.
• The officers have been asked to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow on Maha Kumbh routes, and utilize parking spaces efficiently.
• CM Yogi asked the officers to make sure that roads remain clear without vehicle congestion or traffic jams, keeping in mind the devotees arriving in Prayagraj from all directions.
• The chief minister further said that heightened vigilance and caution is required on Magh Purnima. Hence, the officers should crowd management strategies similar to Basant Panchami.
• He has also given instructions to prioritise assistance for children, elderly, and women; increase shuttle buses from parking areas to the fairgrounds.
• Ensuring every devotee reaches their destination safely is our collective responsibility: Chief Minister
• Cleanliness is the hallmark of Prayagraj Mahakumbh, maintain continuous cleaning of both the river and fairgrounds, the CM said.
• Officials from districts bordering Prayagraj have also been asked to maintain coordination with the Prayagraj administration for smooth vehicular movement.
• Prevent overcrowding at Prayagraj railway stations; deploy additional fair-special trains and Transport Corporation buses, CM Yogi instructed,
• He further added that along with Magh Purnima on February 12, Sant Ravidas Jayanti will be celebrated across the state, including Varanasi. “Ensure smooth arrangements,” the CM said.
Akhilesh Yadav Says ‘Prayagraj Residents Under House Arrest’
Akhilesh Yadav, the former UP CM, said that there is massive traffic jam in and around the city. “It seems people of Prayagraj are under house arrest. People are stuck in their cars. There are no facilities for the people and devotees who are attending.”
