In response to the overwhelming number of devotees arriving for the Maha Kumbh Mela's Magh Purnima Snan on February 12, 2025, Prayagraj authorities have designated the entire fair area as a 'no vehicle zone' starting from 4:00 AM on February 11. This restriction will extend to the entire city from 5:00 PM the same day, with exceptions only for essential and emergency services. Devotees are instructed to park their vehicles in designated zones along specific routes.
The administration acknowledges that the city's infrastructure is operating beyond its maximum capacity due to the unprecedented influx of pilgrims. Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Prashant Kumar stated, "Managing the unprecedented movement of people and vehicles is a challenge that no city, no administration, and no police force in the world has ever encountered before." He emphasized that delays in traffic movement are inevitable due to the sheer volume of devotees, rather than mismanagement.
To ensure the safety and health of the pilgrims, the state government has implemented comprehensive measures. All hospitals within the city, division, and the Maha Kumbh area have been placed on high alert. A total of 133 ambulances, including 125 road ambulances, seven river ambulances, and one air ambulance, have been strategically deployed. Over 2,000 medical personnel are stationed within the Maha Kumbh area, with an additional 700 staff members on high alert at Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital.
Prayagraj Police Commissioner Tarun Gaba reported that, despite the surge in vehicles and intermittent high-traffic periods, the administration and police force have efficiently managed challenges through tireless efforts. He assured that traffic remains smooth on all routes leading to the fair area and within Prayagraj, with no congestion in the city. Additional police personnel have been deployed, and continuous efforts are underway to address traffic-related challenges.