Parade begins at Red Road to celebrate India's 76th Republic Day
As Prayagraj prepares for the world’s largest religious gathering, Mahakumbh 2025, the Uttar Pradesh Police have put together a detailed traffic and security plan to ensure smooth travel for millions of devotees and tourists. The event is expected to draw over 40 crore pilgrims, and the authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a safe, secure, and seamless experience for all attendees.
The police have devised a well-organized traffic plan that covers seven key routes leading to Prayagraj. These routes include Jaunpur, Varanasi, Mirzapur, Rewa/Banda, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Pratapgarh. Each of these routes will be managed efficiently to handle the large influx of pilgrims. Traffic distribution estimates suggest that 21% of visitors will arrive via the Jaunpur route, while the Rewa/Banda route will account for 18%. The Varanasi route is expected to contribute 16% of the traffic, with the Kanpur and Mirzapur routes expected to bring in 14% and 12% respectively. Finally, 10% of visitors are expected to come from Lucknow and 9% from Pratapgarh.
In addition to the traffic plan, the Uttar Pradesh government has significantly enhanced security measures at temples and key sites in Maha Kumbh Nagar, the area around the Kumbh Mela. Multiple checkpoints have been set up to screen individuals entering the district, and intelligence squads are actively monitoring for suspicious activities. This is part of a larger effort to ensure the safety of all pilgrims and prevent any untoward incidents.
Within the fair area, one-way routes will be implemented to ensure the smooth movement of devotees. Parking areas for large and small vehicles will also be designated, and pedestrian-friendly arrangements will be made to facilitate easy access to key locations. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for Kumbh Mela will be overseeing real-time traffic diversions to manage crowd surges effectively.
The authorities are keen on providing uninterrupted access to devotees while maintaining a high level of safety throughout the event. These arrangements are expected to create an organized environment, allowing for a spiritually fulfilling experience for all attendees.