In response to the tragic stampede that resulted in 30 fatalities and 60 injuries near the Sangam in Prayagraj, local authorities announced a series of measures on Thursday. All VVIP passes have been revoked, and the entire Maha Kumbh area is now designated as a no-vehicle zone.
To manage the overwhelming influx of devotees heading to the ghats, routes have been converted to one-way traffic. Vehicle entry from surrounding districts is prohibited, with checkpoints established outside Prayagraj city. Additionally, a complete ban on four-wheelers within the city will remain in effect until February 4.
A security officer confirmed that the revocation of VVIP passes means no special access for vehicles. The new one-way routes aim to facilitate smoother movement for attendees. Strict regulations at district borders are being enforced to control vehicle entry into the city.
The administration emphasizes that these actions are intended to ensure the safety of devotees and manage crowd control effectively. Devotees are encouraged to follow the guidelines and cooperate with authorities.
As a result of these directives, many vehicles arriving at district borders have been halted, allowing entry only in small groups to avoid congestion in the Maha Kumbh area. This has led to significant gatherings at Prayagraj's entry points.
Heavy police presence is noted at the Sangam Nose—where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati converge—to oversee crowd movement. Attendees are instructed to take their dips promptly and vacate the area without delay.