Major Overhaul in Maha Kumbh 2025 After Stampede Claims 30 Lives-VVIP Passes Canceled, No Vehicle Entry

Uttar Pradesh Government enforces strict crowd control measures, including a No-Vehicle Zone, to prevent further incidents.

January 30, 2025: Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: Following the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj that claimed 30 lives and injured 60 on Mauni Amavasya, the Uttar Pradesh government has introduced significant measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The stampede occurred as millions of pilgrims gathered at the Sangam area for a sacred dip on one of the most auspicious days of the Kumbh Mela.

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Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna attributed the tragedy to a surge of pilgrims pushing against barricades to access the holy waters. In response, the state government has implemented five key changes to strengthen safety measures and crowd management:

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Key Measures Enforced:

1. Complete No-Vehicle Zone: All vehicles, including those with VVIP passes, are now prohibited in the Maha Kumbh fair area.
2. One-Way Routes: A one-way traffic system has been introduced to ensure smooth movement of devotees.
3. District Border Restrictions: Vehicles from neighboring districts are being stopped at borders to prevent congestion.
4. City-Wide Ban on Four-Wheelers: Until February 4, no four-wheelers are allowed entry into Prayagraj to manage crowd pressure.
5. Emergency Deployment: Senior IAS officers Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Goswami, experienced in managing the 2019 Ardh Kumbh, have been deployed to oversee operations.

Government Response and Crowd Management:

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued strict guidelines to ensure crowd control, traffic regulation, and coordination across departments. He held a late-night video conference with officials from Prayagraj and neighboring districts, emphasizing immediate safety measures and seamless transportation for returning devotees.

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Additional measures include:

• Deploying extra buses by the Transport Corporation.
• Setting up holding areas with food, water, and electricity at border points to regulate entry into the fair zone.
• Increased patrolling and streamlined traffic flow on major routes leading to Prayagraj.

Judicial Commission and Compensation:

The Chief Minister has established a three-member judicial commission, including Justice Harsh Kumar, former DGP VK Gupta, and retired IAS officer VK Singh, to investigate the stampede. Families of the deceased will receive a compensation of ₹25 lakh each.

Future Preparedness:

Officials are coordinating closely with rail authorities to manage the surge of devotees at railway stations. The measures aim to ensure a safer and more organized experience for the millions of pilgrims participating in the Maha Kumbh Mela.

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Tags:

• Maha Kumbh 2025 Updates
• Prayagraj Stampede Response
• Crowd Control Measures
• Yogi Adityanath on Kumbh Safety
• No-Vehicle Zone Implementation
• Judicial Commission on Stampede
• Pilgrim Safety at Kumbh Mela