Administration unveils comprehensive river traffic plan for Mahakumbh

Mahakumbh Nagar : The administration has formulated a river traffic management plan to ensure seamless arrangements for devotees attending the Mahakumbh, scheduled to begin on January 13 in Prayagraj. This plan will cover all 50 ghats of the Mahakumbh, with regular rehearsals already underway for effective implementation.

For Mahakumbh 2025, over 4,000 boats will operate in Prayagraj. Drawing inspiration from road traffic management systems, the water police have developed a comprehensive river traffic and security management plan for a 12-kilometre stretch. Floating river lines and water traffic intersections, managed by water police personnel, are being introduced to streamline movement.

SSP Mahakumbh, Rajesh Dwivedi, said, “A 4-kilometer-long river line is being constructed in the Yamuna River as part of this initiative. Of this, 500 meters have already been completed. The river line is being built using deep-water barricading boxes, with platforms installed every 8-10 meters to serve as operational intersections for the water police. All boats will operate on a designated single-route system.”

Comprehensive security measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of pilgrims and tourists at the grand religious fair. Among these, 25 trained sea divers from the Indian Navy will maintain round-the-clock vigilance. Teams from the PAC, SDRF, and NDRF will provide additional support in managing security and rescue operations.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (Water Police), Rajneesh Yadav, stated that a 12-kilometer stretch, encompassing 50 bathing ghats, has been secured with a water barricading system featuring floating blocks with nets to handle emergencies.

He said, “To further enhance safety, the deployment includes 10 PAC companies with 800 trained personnel, 150 SDRF members, 12 NDRF teams, and a core team of 35 trained water police divers. These divers will carry oxygen cylinders for rescue operations, with oxygen compressor machines stationed at key points to refill portable cylinders on-site.”

A floating traffic control station will be established alongside 17 sub-stations positioned strategically within the 12-kilometer area. Additionally, 12 jetties are being constructed to bolster the security infrastructure. The Army has proposed setting up a jetty between Saraswati Ghat and Kila Ghat to reinforce these measures. Dial 112 services will also operate a floating station for real-time monitoring.

The fair administration, along with the Irrigation Department and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), will oversee safety in the secured water area. Although licenses for over 6,000 paddle boats have been requested, the Water Police have authorized the operation of only 4,000 boats under strict guidelines.

Boatmen have been integrated into the water traffic management plan, with more than 6,000 boat owners being briefed on safety protocols issued by the fair administration and Water Police. The Prayagraj Boatmen Association President, Pappu Lal Nishad, emphasized the association’s commitment to ensuring strict adherence to all instructions throughout the fair.