Major Changes at Kumbh Following Deadly Stampede: Vehicle Ban and VVIP Restrictions Implemented

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Prayagraj: In response to Wednesday’s tragic stampede that claimed 30 lives and injured 60 others at the Maha Kumbh, authorities have implemented sweeping changes to ensure pilgrim safety. The incident occurred during the Mauni Amavasya holy dip at the world’s largest religious gathering.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced several immediate measures following an emergency video conference with senior officials from multiple districts. The most significant changes include declaring the entire Maha Kumbh area a no-vehicle zone and cancelling all VVIP passes.

“The safety of devotees is our paramount concern,” officials stated as they implemented a complete ban on four-wheelers in Prayagraj until February 4. Vehicles from neighboring districts are being stopped at district borders, and even special passes will not grant vehicle entry to the festival area.

Additional safety measures include:

  • Establishment of holding areas at border points to regulate crowd flow
  • Enhanced police patrolling in the Mela area
  • Strategic barricading for better crowd management
  • Improved parking arrangements
  • Relocation of street vendors to prevent road congestion

To address the massive influx of returning pilgrims, authorities are increasing transportation options. The administration has ordered additional special trains and extra buses from the Transport Corporation to facilitate devotees’ safe return home.

Looking ahead to the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan (royal bath) scheduled for February 3, Chief Minister Adityanath has directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to conduct a thorough review of all arrangements. The focus remains on preventing any recurrence of Wednesday’s tragic events while ensuring smooth movement of the millions of devotees expected to attend the upcoming ceremonies.

Districts affected by these changes include Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mirzapur, Basti, Jaunpur, Chitrakoot, Banda, Ambedkarnagar, Pratapgarh, Sant Kabir Nagar, Bhadohi, Rae Bareli, and Gorakhpur. Officials in these areas have been instructed to maintain vigilance and ensure unobstructed movement along all major routes to and from Prayagraj.

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