Maha Kumbh: ‘No vehicle zone’ traffic advisory issued in Prayagraj ahead of ‘Maghi Purnima Snan’

Vehicles stuck in a traffic jam as devotees go on their way to Sangam. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters

As the Kalpvas, an integral tradition of the Maha Kumbh that began on January 13, will conclude on the occasion of Maghi Purnima on Wednesday (February 12, 2025), the authorities have declared the entire Maha Kumbh district as a ‘No Vehicle Zone’ from 5 p.m. onwards on February 11 till February 12.

The influx of devotees towards Prayagraj has resulted in chaos and long traffic jams along the routes. Devotees have been directed to park their vehicles in designated zones along specific routes.

“The sheer scale of gathering has pushed the infrastructure of Prayagraj beyond its maximum capacity, making delays in traffic movement inevitable not due to mismanagement, but due to the sheer volume of devotees,” said Prashant Kumar, U.P. DGP.

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This year, more than 10 lakh devotees have undertaken Kalpavas at the Triveni Sangam here, the Uttar Pradesh government said in a statement.

As per tradition, Kalpvas involves a month-long period of fasting, self-restraint and Satsang on the banks of Sangam, from Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw stated stations in Prayagraj are functioning normally and there is no need to believe in rumors that the junction is closed. 

(With inputs from PTI)