In preparation for the annual Magh Mela, the Prayagraj police have formulated a comprehensive and detailed traffic management strategy to regulate the massive influx of devotees. The religious fair is scheduled to commence on January 3, and authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure smooth movement for pilgrims on both regular and main bathing days.
No Vehicle Zone on Key Snan Days
A cornerstone of the plan is the implementation of a strict 'No Vehicle Zone' (D1 system) for two-day periods surrounding each of the six principal bathing occasions. This restriction will be enforced one day before and on the actual day of the main snan. The zones will cover the entire mela campus and the seven streets leading to the Sangam, as well as routes from parking sites to the holy confluence.
The six major bathing days affected by this rule are Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchmi, Maghi Purnima, and Mahashivratri. Senior Superintendent of Police (Magh Mela) Neeraj Pandey emphasized that pedestrian movement towards the Sangam will be given top priority during these times.
Detailed Sector Management and Parking
The mela area has been strategically divided into seven sectors, each with clearly drafted separate entry and exit routes for normal and main snan days. Arrivals via roadways buses, trains, and private vehicles will have dedicated pathways to avoid congestion.
To accommodate the expected vehicular rush, authorities have established 43 parking slots with a capacity for approximately 2 lakh vehicles around the mela site. SP Neeraj Pandey stated that police personnel will actively guide devotees to these parking areas. Once these slots reach capacity, alternative traffic management schemes will be activated immediately.
Furthermore, 16 holding areas have been designated to manage the flow of foot traffic on entry and exit routes, ensuring crowd control and safety.
Route Plans and Multi-Agency Coordination
The traffic blueprint specifies that devotees walking to the Sangam for the holy dip will use Kali Sadak for their approach and return via Triveni Marg. Lal Sadak will be reserved exclusively for administrative and emergency purposes.
Over 400 traffic police personnel have been deployed to regulate movement on and around the mela campus. Separate traffic plans are also in place for the Parade, Jhunsi, and Arail areas. Routes for holding areas and electric buses have been finalized, and a robust emergency plan is ready.
Comprehensive arrangements involving health services, fire departments, and jal police have been made for seamless operations. The police are also focusing on strong interstate and inter-district coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP), railways, roadways, and district police to manage the devotee flow effectively. Additional parking will be arranged if the need arises.
Holding areas have also been set up at key railway stations including Cheoki, Jhunsi, Prayag, Prayagraj, and Phaphamau. The plan also encompasses traffic movement across the nine pontoon bridges installed over the rivers. With barriers at major parking sites and special preparations for routes leading to Varanasi, Jaunpur, and Rewa, the Prayagraj police aim to facilitate a spiritually fulfilling and safe Magh Mela for all attendees.
