Prayagraj: With the rising number of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh authorities have introduced new regulations for bathing and transportation to ensure smooth movement and safety, news agency ANI reported.
Designated Bathing Areas
To manage the influx of pilgrims, authorities have designated specific bathing areas based on their point of entry:
- Sangam & Nearby Ghats – For pilgrims arriving from the Parade Mela region.
- Jhunsi Bathing Ghats – For devotees from the Jhunsi fair region.
- Arali Area Ghats – For those coming from the Arali side.
No-Vehicle Zone Implemented
To control foot traffic, a “No Vehicle” zone has been enforced across the Maha Kumbh area. Only vehicles authorized by Mela Police, including emergency medical services, food delivery trucks, and logistics vehicles, will be allowed access. Other visitors must park in designated areas. Authorities have urged devotees to comply with these rules to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.
Northern Railways Announces Special Vande Bharat Trains
To accommodate the surge in travelers, Northern Railways has scheduled special Vande Bharat trains on February 15, 16, and 17, running between New Delhi and Varanasi via Prayagraj.
- Train No. 02252 (New Delhi to Varanasi)
- Departure: 5:30 AM from New Delhi
- Arrival: 12:00 PM at Prayagraj, 2:20 PM at Varanasi
- Train No. 02251 (Varanasi to New Delhi)
- Departure: 3:15 PM from Varanasi
- Arrival: 5:20 PM at Prayagraj, 11:50 PM at New Delhi
The initiative aims to provide pilgrims with additional travel options for the weekend rush, said Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway.
Record-Breaking Participation at Maha Kumbh
The Uttar Pradesh government has declared the ongoing Maha Kumbh as the largest religious gathering in history, with over 500 million direct participants—surpassing the population of major nations like Brazil, Russia, and the U.S.
Recent participation figures:
- Paush Purnima: 17 million devotees
- Makar Sankranti: 35 million
- Mauni Amavasya: 76.4 million
- Basant Panchami: 25.7 million
- Magh Purnima: 14 million
As of Friday, 4:00 PM, over 7.9 million devotees had taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. With the Maha Kumbh set to continue, authorities remain on high alert to manage the growing crowds efficiently.