Mahakumbh 2025: 12-km River Traffic Plan Includes Floating Control Station, 2,000 Personnel During Prayagraj Fair

Mahakumbh 2025: The UP administration has developed a river traffic management plan, involving a designated waterway, a floating traffic control system, and over 2,000 water traffic police personnel.

File Photo: Acharya Mahamandleshwar, head of Juna Akhara Swami Avdheshanand Gir and other sadhus during Ganga Pujan after the first 'royal entry' for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 festival, in Prayagraj.

Source : PTI

Mahakumbh 2025: The Uttar Pradesh administration has rolled out a detailed river traffic management plan for Mahakumbh 2025, aiming to streamline arrangements for millions of devotees. The initiative, inspired by road traffic systems, will oversee a 12-kilometre waterway encompassing 50 bathing ghats in Prayagraj. Regular rehearsals for effective implementation are already underway.  

The plan includes the construction of a 4-kilometre-long dedicated river channel on the Yamuna River to ensure smooth water traffic flow. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (Mahakumbh), Rajesh Dwivedi, 500 metres of this channel have been completed, using deep-water barricading boxes with platforms installed every 8–10 metres. "All boats will operate on a designated single-route system," he noted.  

Over 4,000 boats will operate in Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh. A floating traffic control station, supported by 17 strategically positioned sub-stations, will monitor activities along the 12-kilometre stretch. Additionally, 12 new jetties are under construction, with the Army proposing one between Saraswati Ghat and Kila Ghat to reinforce security. Dial 112 services will also operate a floating station for real-time monitoring.  

Mahakumbh 2025: 2,000 Water Traffic Police Personnel Including 25 Navy Divers To Be Deployed

To safeguard pilgrims and tourists, over 2,000 water traffic police personnel will be deployed. The security apparatus will include 25 Indian Navy divers, who will maintain round-the-clock vigilance. Teams from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will assist in security and rescue operations.  

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

Additional deployment includes 10 PAC companies with 800 trained personnel, 150 SDRF members, 12 NDRF teams, 35 trained water police divers equipped with oxygen cylinders  

Portable oxygen compressor machines will be stationed at key locations to support rescue operations.  The Prayagraj Boatmen Association President, Pappu Lal Nishad, revealed that over 6,000 paddle boat licences were requested, but only 4,000 boats were authorised to operate under strict guidelines. Boatmen have been integrated into the management plan, with over 6,000 owners briefed on safety protocols by the fair administration and Water Police.  

The Mahakumbh administration, in collaboration with the Irrigation Department and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), will oversee safety in the secured water area, for a seamless and safe experience for all attendees.