From Prayagraj to Kashi, mega plans in place for crowd mgmt

Master plan of traffic management implemented, Akshayvat to remain closed for darshan

- HT Correspondent

MAHAKUMBH NAGAR: The grand 45-day Mahakumbh taking place on the banks of the sacred Sangam, is now approaching its conclusion with the bathing festival of Mahashivratri on Wednesday. A crowd of 2.5 crore pilgrims is expected to bathe here on the occasion.

For the convenience of devotees pouring in for this holy gathering of faith and devotion, the Mahakumbh police have issued special guidelines.

As part of crowd management measures for the final bathing festival on Mahashivratri (February 26), a no-vehicle zone has been enforced in the fair area and Prayagraj city with effect from Tuesday, said SSP (Mahakumbh) Rajesh Dwivedi.

This initiative aims to facilitate seamless bathing and darshan for devotees, he said.

According to the mela police, no vehicle-zone has been implemented from 4 pm on Tuesday. Prayagraj Police Commissionerate also enforced a no-vehicle zone starting at 6 pm on Tuesday.

DM of Mahakumbh Nagar Vijay Kiran Anand said that to streamline crowd movement, devotees are encouraged to bathe at the ghat closest to their entry point, ensuring both convenience and safety.

As Mahashivratri marks the conclusion of Mahakumbh on February 26, devotees have been requested to take a quick dip at the nearest ghat, visit the Shivalayas, and proceed towards their destinations in an orderly manner, he said.

The official said that to ensure smooth crowd movement, all pontoon bridges will be operated based on crowd pressure.

No restriction on vehicles carrying essentials Police have clarified that there is no restriction on vehicles carrying essential items like milk, vegetables, medicines, petrol/diesel besides ambulances and vehicles of government employees (doctors, police, admin). All of them will be able to do their work uninterruptedly, officials said.