Magh Mela 2026: Prayagraj police chief issues stern warning over traffic management

The Magh Mela 2026 has officially started in Prayagraj, one of the most important religious cities in Uttar Pradesh. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit the city to take a holy dip at the Sangam, the sacred meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers. As expected, large crowds have already begun arriving, especially during the early bathing days of the festival.

Because of the heavy rush of pilgrims, the Uttar Pradesh government and the local police administration have made strong security and traffic arrangements. Their main aim is to ensure that devotees can reach the bathing ghats safely and without inconvenience. In this context, the Prayagraj Police Commissioner has issued strict instructions to all officers and staff posted for Magh Mela duty.

The Police Commissioner has clearly stated that any lapse in traffic control will not be tolerated. He warned officers that if traffic jams occur in any area, the local inspector will be held directly responsible. This warning has been issued to make sure that officers remain alert and actively manage traffic throughout the Mela period.

Officials inspect arrangements on the ground

Prayagraj Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar, along with Additional Police Commissioner Ajay Pal Sharma, has started conducting regular inspections of the entire Magh Mela area. Senior officers are personally visiting key locations to check whether arrangements are in place and functioning properly. These inspections aim to prevent problems before they arise, especially on major bathing days when crowds are at their peak.

During one such inspection, CP Jogendra Kumar reviewed traffic routes, crowd movement plans and security arrangements. He interacted directly with police officers and traffic personnel deployed at different points. The Commissioner explained how to manage crowds calmly and how to respond quickly in case of emergencies.

He also instructed officers to maintain a polite and helpful attitude while dealing with pilgrims. According to him, many devotees travel long distances and may need guidance or assistance. Officers have been told to provide clear directions, help elderly pilgrims and ensure the safety of women and children.

The police leadership has stressed that smooth coordination between different teams is necessary. Traffic police, local police stations and special Mela units have been asked to work together closely. Control rooms are being used to monitor the situation in real time so that immediate action can be taken if any congestion or issue is reported.

Focus on traffic and upcoming bathing days

Four major bathing days are still left during Magh Mela 2026, and the administration is giving special attention to these dates. Among them, Mauni Amavasya is considered the most important bathing day, when a very large number of devotees are expected to arrive. Preparations for this day are being carried out on a priority basis.

Traffic management remains one of the biggest challenges during the Mela. To reduce congestion inside the city, vehicles coming from outside Prayagraj are being diverted to designated parking areas. From these parking spots, devotees can reach the ghats using local transport options such as Rapido rides and shuttle services.

Special routes have been marked for emergency vehicles to ensure that ambulances and police vans can move freely even during peak hours. Barricades have been placed at sensitive locations to control crowd movement and avoid overcrowding at the ghats.

ALSO READ: US strikes Venezuela, captures Nicolas Maduro, but is it legal under international law?

ALSO READ: Explained: Why China’s contraceptive tax shows the limits of pro-natalist policies

The police administration is confident after successfully managing the Paush Purnima snan, which passed without any major traffic or security problems. On that day, nearly 31 lakh pilgrims took a holy dip at the Sangam. Despite the huge crowd, traffic within the city remained smooth due to careful planning and strict monitoring.

To repeat this success on the remaining bathing days, senior officers are holding regular review meetings. They are collecting feedback from officers on duty and making changes wherever required. Any shortcomings noticed during inspections are being addressed immediately.

The Police Commissioner has once again made it clear that responsibility and accountability are very important during such a large religious event. Officers have been warned to remain alert at all times and to take ownership of their assigned areas.

In conclusion, Magh Mela 2026 has begun with a massive turnout of devotees, and the administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure safety, smooth traffic flow and a peaceful experience for pilgrims. With strict instructions, continuous monitoring and on-ground inspections, the Prayagraj police aim to manage the upcoming bathing days efficiently and without disruption.