Mahakumbh 2025: Traffic Restrictions in Kashi to Manage Unprecedented crazy Crowds

Kashi Yatri

VIP and protocol vehicles restricted between Godowlia and Maidagin to streamline movement during Mahakumbh; only Z-plus security vehicles allowed in no-vehicle zones.

As the sacred city of Kashi (Varanasi) prepares for the grand Mahakumbh 2025, unprecedented measures are being taken to ensure smooth crowd and traffic management. The heavy influx of devotees visiting the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple and nearby areas has made vehicular travel increasingly difficult. In light of these challenges, Police Commissioner (CP) Mohit Agarwal has issued strict directives restricting the movement of VIP and protocol vehicles in sensitive areas, particularly between Godowlia and Maidagin.

New Traffic Rules and Directives for Mahakumbh 2025

1. No-Vehicle Zones Declared

To accommodate the rising number of pilgrims, the stretch between Godowlia and Maidagin, including Ramapura, Pandey Haveli, and Dashashwamedh Road, has been declared a no-vehicle zone. Only vehicles belonging to Z-plus security dignitaries will be permitted.

The police have installed prominent banners and signage along these routes to inform visitors about the restrictions. These measures aim to minimize congestion and enhance safety during peak hours.

2. Ban on Four-Wheelers in Core Areas

Four-wheeled vehicles are strictly prohibited from entering the Godowlia area. Vehicles traveling from Sonarpura are being diverted, and a designated space near Kashi Chaat Bhandar has been allotted for parking police vehicles.

This measure aims to ensure pedestrian safety and streamline the movement of devotees heading toward the temple.

3. Enhanced Force Deployment

Recognizing the sheer volume of visitors, 25% of the police force from rural areas under the commissionerate has been reassigned to critical locations such as Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Lalita Ghat, and surrounding zones.

These personnel are tasked with managing crowd movement, patrolling, and implementing traffic guidelines effectively.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Record Footfall

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has witnessed record-breaking footfall in January 2025. On New Year’s Day alone, 7.43 lakh devotees thronged the temple, while January 25 saw a turnout of 4.05 lakh worshippers.

The temple’s sanctum sanctorum was packed, with devotees waiting for hours to catch a glimpse of Baba Vishwanath. The Mangal Aarti commenced early in the morning, and the darshan continued until 11 PM. Crowds were particularly dense at Gate No. 4, Ganga Dwar, and Saraswati Phatak.

Managing Pilgrim Influx

With the Mahakumbh 2025 drawing millions of pilgrims, crowd management has become a top priority:

  • Queue Systems: Devotees formed queues spanning over two to three kilometers from Godowlia and Chowk. Chanting “Har Har Mahadev,” they maintained order while awaiting their turn for darshan.
  • Operational Adjustments: Police officers on-site ensured smooth movement and guided devotees. CP Mohit Agarwal’s team patrolled key areas, emphasizing discipline and cooperation.
  • Sector and Zonal Schemes: Drawing from the successful strategies employed during the Sawan month, sectoral and zonal schemes have been activated to manage crowds effectively.

Impact on Local Traffic

The influx of pilgrims has severely impacted local traffic around key routes. Godowlia Chowk, Dashashwamedh Road, and surrounding lanes have experienced bottlenecks, making even pedestrian movement challenging. Streets leading to the temple have been heavily congested, with foot traffic often coming to a standstill.

Key Hotspots:

  • Godowlia Chowk: Known as the main entry point to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this area remains perpetually crowded.
  • Dashashwamedh Road: A prime route for visitors heading toward the temple and ghats, it frequently witnesses gridlocks.
  • Maidagin: Serving as a junction for various routes, this area is also experiencing a surge in footfall and vehicular traffic.

Provisions for Pilgrims

To facilitate devotees and minimize inconvenience, the following arrangements have been made:

1. Temporary Parking Facilities

Large parking spaces have been designated on the outskirts of the city to accommodate vehicles. Pilgrims are encouraged to park here and use shuttle services or walk to their destinations.

2. Increased Patrols

Police teams are conducting continuous patrols to manage crowds and enforce traffic rules. Officers have been instructed to guide pilgrims and provide on-the-spot assistance.

3. Coordination with Temple Authorities

CP Mohit Agarwal has engaged in discussions with temple officials to align security and management strategies. Efforts are being made to streamline entry and exit points, especially during peak hours.

Insights from Temple Visits

The Police Commissioner, along with senior officials, recently visited Annapurna Temple and Kalbhairav Temple to assess preparations and crowd management strategies. Discussions with temple authorities highlighted the need for additional security measures during the Mahakumbh period.

Key Highlights:

  • Annapurna Temple: Preparations for the Kumbhabhishek ceremony are underway, with special police arrangements being made.
  • Kalbhairav Temple: Known as the protector of Kashi, this temple is also experiencing increased footfall, necessitating enhanced crowd control measures.

Challenges Ahead

1. Unprecedented Crowds

The Mahakumbh is expected to attract millions, far exceeding the current capacity of the city’s infrastructure. Effective crowd management remains a daunting task.

2. Traffic Diversions

While diversions aim to reduce congestion, they may cause inconvenience for locals and emergency services. Balancing these needs is critical.

3. Coordination Among Agencies

Seamless collaboration between the police, temple authorities, and municipal bodies is essential to ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims.

Moving Forward: Recommendations

1. Dedicated Shuttle Services

Introducing electric or battery-operated shuttle services from parking lots to key locations could significantly reduce congestion.

2. Real-Time Updates

Leveraging technology to provide real-time traffic and crowd updates via mobile apps or public displays can help pilgrims plan their visits better.

3. Volunteer Support

Enlisting the help of local volunteers and NGOs can bolster crowd management efforts and improve the overall experience for devotees.

4. Awareness Campaigns

Educating visitors about the new rules and promoting alternative routes through social media and local media channels can mitigate confusion.

Conclusion

Mahakumbh 2025 is not just a religious gathering but a logistical marvel that tests the resilience of Varanasi’s infrastructure and administration. The restrictions on VIP and protocol vehicles between Godowlia and Maidagin, along with enhanced crowd management strategies, reflect the authorities’ commitment to ensuring a seamless experience for millions of devotees.

mahakumbh

With proactive measures, the city aims to uphold its spiritual sanctity while accommodating the growing number of pilgrims. As devotees chant “Har Har Mahadev” in unison, Kashi stands as a testament to India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Bhadani Mirror Weekly News Paper

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