As the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 draws to a close, Prayagraj city is witnessing a significant influx of devotees arriving to take the final holy dip in the sacred Sangam .
Authorities have been put on high alert to manage the growing crowd and ensure smooth operations at designated spots as February 26 marks the last major snan of the Maha Kumbh, coinciding with Mahashivratri.
DIG Vaibhav Krishna confirmed that additional security personnel will be deployed at all sensitive locations on February 26 to prevent overcrowding and maintain order. “We are alert. The snan of February 26 is still left, and for this, we will deploy personnel at all sensitive places,” he added.
Furthermore, traffic diversion points have been strategically placed to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles. Special guidelines have been issued to ensure that students taking exams in areas near the Kumbh Mela region can reach their designated locations without any difficulty.
Devotees Count Crosses 60 Crore
Amid huge rush of devotees in Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday announced that unexpectedly 60 crore devotees at the Maha Kumbh Mela have taken a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam.
When the Maha Kumbh began, the government had anticipated a footfall of 45 crore people, but the count has already surpassed the 60-crore mark.
When the Maha Kumbh began, the government had anticipated a footfall of 45 crore people, but the count has already surpassed the 60-crore mark.
Notably, government officials said that the count of devotees is expected to cross 65 crore mark by the final snan on February 26. The Kumbh Mela began on January 13.
Prayagraj, the host city for the Maha Kumbh, has been experiencing heavy traffic as devotees continue to arrive to take part in the religious gathering at the Triveni Sangam.
There has been significant congestion, particularly on the Chungi to Jhusi road, due to the influx of pilgrims heading to the Mela. Three major snans have already been completed on Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchmi. The final snan is set to take place on Maha Shivratri.
DSP Yashwant Singh said, “We have increased alertness ahead of the Maha Kumbh snan on Mahashivratri. Additional security has been deployed here, after which the total number of personnel deployed here is more than 350. Barricading has been done all around. A holding area has been set up and passengers are being brought here.”
Several Trains Cancelled
Between February 25 and 26, seven trains, including the Howrah-Mumbai Mail (12321), passing through Nashik Road railway station will be cancelled from their point of origin.
Officials said that decision was taken to make way for special trains operating for the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, according to the Central Railway’s Bhusawal division authorities.
In addition to the Howrah-Mumbai Mail, the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Patliputra Express will be cancelled for journeys on February 25 and 26. The LTT-Gorakhpur Express will not operate on February 26, and the Patliputra-LTT Express will be cancelled for its journey starting on February 26 and 27, according to the official.
A senior Central Railway officer confirmed that passengers who booked tickets online for the cancelled trains will receive automatic refunds directly to their bank accounts. Those who purchased physical tickets will need to visit the reservation counter in person to claim their refund.
The final and most significant snan, expected to attract millions for the holy dip at the Sangam, will take place on Mahashivratri (February 26). As the event nears its peak, authorities continue to focus on crowd control, safety, and transportation to ensure a smooth experience for the devotees.