Pragyaraj, 3 February 2025: The Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a special crowd management plan, ‘Operation Eleven,’ to ensure smooth and safe movement of devotees during the ‘Amrit Snan’ on Basant Panchami at the Maha Kumbh on Monday.
The initiative comes under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s “zero-error” directive following a stampede at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya, which left at least 30 dead and 60 injured.
Key measures include a strict one-way traffic system, increased police deployment, reinforced barricades, and additional monitoring on major bridges and ghats. Pontoon bridges will remain accessible, and traffic diversions will be in place to control congestion.
Security has been tightened at New Yamuna Bridge with a Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) unit and continuous motorcycle patrols.
At Shastri Bridge, an additional PAC company and mobile patrol squads will regulate movement from Jhunsi to Sangam.
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will manage crowds at Tikarmafi Turn, while traffic from Jhunsi will be diverted through alternative routes. Special arrangements have also been made at Phaphamau and pontoon bridges, with motorcycle patrol squads stationed at entry and exit points.
To manage railway and bus traffic, PAC units have been deployed at Jhunsi railway station and Prayag Junction, with increased train services and temporary bus stations at Saraswati Dwar.
Strong barricades and signage have been installed at key locations, including GT Jawahar, Harshvardhan Chauraha, and Prayag Junction, to regulate movement.
In preparation for the third Amrit Snan, two additional Rapid Action Force (RAF) companies, three PAC companies, and 56 Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been deployed at sensitive locations.
The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26.
