The district administration in Prayagraj has unveiled a comprehensive traffic and vehicle management strategy in anticipation of the massive influx of devotees for the upcoming Magh Mela. The elaborate plan will be operational from January 3, when the mela commences, and will remain in force until Mahashivratri on February 15.
Strict Measures for Major Bathing Days
Officials have outlined that on significant bathing dates, stringent traffic diversion and no-entry protocols will be implemented. These restrictions will be enforced from midnight of the previous day until midnight of the bathing day itself. The primary goal is to ensure seamless movement and public safety for the millions of expected pilgrims. It is important to note that vehicles providing essential services, such as ambulances, will be exempt from these regulations.
To manage the expected volume, the administration has designated specific parking areas for vehicles arriving from other districts and states. All non-essential vehicles will be regulated well before they reach the city limits of Prayagraj.
Detailed Route Diversions for Major Corridors
The traffic diversion plan provides clear alternate routes for vehicles passing through the region. For traffic on the Kanpur-Prayagraj-Varanasi corridor, vehicles coming from Kanpur towards Prayagraj will be diverted at Kokhraj in Kaushambi district onto a bypass, allowing them to proceed directly via Handia to Varanasi. Conversely, traffic from Varanasi heading to Kanpur will be routed through the Handia bypass to Kokhraj before continuing to Kanpur.
For journeys from Kanpur to Banda via Prayagraj, vehicles will be diverted from Chaudagra in Fatehpur. They will then proceed through Bindki, Bandhwa Tiraha, Lalouli, and Chilla towards Banda, with return traffic following the same path.
Diversions for Mirzapur, Rewa, and Heavy Vehicles
The plan also meticulously covers other key destinations:
- Kanpur to Mirzapur: Vehicles will take the Chaudagra, Bindki, Bandhwa Tiraha, Lalouli, and Chilla route to Banda, then proceed via Keen-Mau, Shankargarh, Naribari, Khiri, and Koraon to reach Mirzapur.
- Kanpur to Rewa: Traffic will be diverted through Ghatampur, Hamirpur Road, Banda, Karvi, Shankargarh, and Naribari.
- Heavy vehicles from Kanpur to Aurai and Mirzapur: These will be sent via the Kokhraj bypass, Handia, and Aurai, turning right at Chilh towards Mirzapur.
Similarly, traffic originating from Rewa to Varanasi via Prayagraj will be rerouted from the Mangawan police station area through Hanumana and Mirzapur. Vehicles moving from Rewa to Lucknow will travel via Naribari, Shankargarh, Mau, Karvi, Banda, Chilla Bridge, Bindki, Fatehpur, Lalganj, Rae Bareli, and onward to Lucknow.
Inter-District Traffic and Bypass Routes
Under the inter-district diversion framework, all vehicles not related to the Magh Mela will be diverted before entering Prayagraj. For instance, heavy vehicles travelling from Rae Bareli to Varanasi via Prayagraj will be diverted through Lalganj, Bhupiyamau Chauraha, Raniganj, Mungra Badshahpur, and Jaunpur.
A dedicated bypass route has been established for vehicles bound for Varanasi that do not need to enter Prayagraj. They will use the Kaushambi–Kokhraj–Nawabganj–Soraon–Handia–Aurai bypass, with return traffic following the same alignment.
The administration's proactive and detailed plan aims to minimize congestion in the holy city while facilitating the safe and orderly pilgrimage for millions during the Magh Mela period.
