Mahakumbh Nagar, Feb 2 (PTI) – In a bid to ensure seamless crowd management for the Basant Panchami ‘Amrit Snan’ at the ongoing Maha Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a special traffic and security plan named ‘Operation Eleven’. The holy dip, set for Monday, is expected to attract massive crowds, prompting the administration to enforce stringent measures.
According to an official statement, the crowd control blueprint has been prepared under the direct supervision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to maintain order and prevent any recurrence of the tragic stampede that occurred on Mauni Amavasya, which claimed at least 30 lives and injured 60 pilgrims.
Key Highlights of ‘Operation Eleven’ for Basant Panchami:
- One-Way Traffic Regulation: A strict one-way traffic system will be implemented to ensure smooth movement of devotees. Traffic diversions and regulated access to pontoon bridges will help in controlling congestion, with additional police forces and barricades deployed at bathing ghats.
- Security Enhancement at Key Locations: The New Yamuna Bridge will have heightened security, including an additional Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) unit, two motorcycle patrol squads, and reinforced bridge railings to prevent accidents.
- Shastri Bridge Monitoring: A PAC company and senior officer will regulate traffic from Jhunsi to Sangam, along with two mobile patrol squads for enhanced surveillance.
- Crowd Management at Tikarmafi Turn: A Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) unit, supervised by a senior officer, will manage the crowd. Traffic from Jhunsi will be diverted through alternative routes including Katka Tiraha, Giraffe Chauraha, and Chhatnag Turn.
- Phaphamau and Pontoon Bridges Arrangements: Two motorcycle patrol squads and PAC personnel will monitor the crowd and oversee entry and exit points.
- Railway & Bus Transport Regulation: At Jhunsi railway station, PAC units and reinforced barricades have been set up to manage crowd movement, with increased train frequency for pilgrims. A temporary bus station at Saraswati Dwar will provide direct connectivity to Gorakhpur and Varanasi.
- Security at Prayag Junction: Three Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), two PAC companies, and strong barricades at Yudhishthir Chauraha will regulate the traffic inflow from the IERT Flyover, with signage guiding pilgrims.
- Traffic Control at Key Chaurahas: Officers and PAC units will manage traffic at GT Jawahar, Harshvardhan Chauraha, Medical College Chauraha, and Balson Chauraha. Diversions will be enforced at Balson via Bakshi Bandh to Nagvasuki, with alternative routes guiding pilgrims to the fairgrounds.
- Emergency Response & Surveillance: Additional traffic police and security forces will be stationed at Andawa and Sahso Chauraha, with nine motorcycle patrol squads and emergency cranes on standby.
- Deployment of Extra Forces: For the third Amrit Snan, two additional Rapid Action Force (RAF) companies, three PAC companies, 56 Quick Response Teams (QRTs), and 15 motorcycle patrol squads will be conducting round-the-clock patrolling.
Maha Kumbh 2025: A Grand Spiritual Gathering
The Maha Kumbh, hosted by the UP government, began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26. As one of the largest religious congregations in the world, millions of devotees are expected to take the holy dip during the Basant Panchami Snan.The UP government’s ‘zero-error’ crowd management program aims to ensure a safe and organized pilgrimage experience. With enhanced security, controlled traffic flow, and strategic crowd regulation, authorities are committed to preventing overcrowding and maintaining smooth movement at all ghats and major transit points.
