Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: No-Vehicle Zone Declared for Maghi Purnima
UP enforces no-vehicle zones at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 to manage traffic during Maghi Purnima snan. Pilgrims advised to follow official guidelines.
image for illustrative purpose
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have intensified traffic management efforts ahead of the Maghi Purnima snan at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. With an unprecedented number of pilgrims expected on Wednesday, officials have designated the entire Kumbh Mela area a no-vehicle zone to ease congestion and ensure safety.
Over the past 48 hours, roads leading to the Maha Kumbh Mela have witnessed severe traffic congestion. In multiple areas, travelers have been stranded for over 30 hours. As the Maghi Purnima bathing event nears, officials anticipate an even higher influx of devotees, further complicating movement in and around Prayagraj.
On Monday, reports indicated that thousands of devotees faced traffic snarls stretching across 300 kilometers. Police officers on duty advised pilgrims to reconsider travel plans if possible.
Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar addressed concerns over the gridlock, attributing the delays to the overwhelming number of pilgrims rather than lapses in traffic management. According to officials, Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, which began on January 13, has already seen over 400 million people take a holy dip at the Sangam, with daily arrivals in the lakhs.
To address the growing congestion, authorities have implemented the following traffic regulations for Maghi Purnima snan:
No-Vehicle Zone: From 4 a.m. on February 11, the entire Kumbh Mela area will be restricted to vehicular movement, allowing devotees to access bathing ghats without obstruction. Only emergency services will be permitted entry.
City-Wide Restrictions: From 5 p.m. on February 11, a similar no-vehicle policy will be enforced across Prayagraj, excluding emergency vehicles.
Designated Parking Areas: Devotees traveling from outside Prayagraj will be required to park vehicles at designated locations based on their entry routes. This measure is effective from 4 a.m. on February 11.
Continued Traffic Control: These restrictions will remain in force until February 12, ensuring the smooth dispersal of pilgrims following the bathing rituals.
Kalpavasi Vehicle Rules: Traffic regulations for vehicles in Prayagraj and the Kumbh Mela grounds also apply to Kalpavasi pilgrims.
Given the magnitude of the event, officials have urged pilgrims to follow the issued traffic guidelines and cooperate with the personnel. Additional personnel have been deployed to manage the heavy footfall, and real-time traffic updates will be shared with the public to minimize disruptions.
