Mahashivratri to mark final day of Maha Kumbh 2025: Airfares surge, Air Force deployed to ensure security
PTC Web Desk: The Maha Kumbh 2025 is set to conclude on Mahashivratri, February 26, with an overwhelming influx of devotees. With millions of pilgrims arriving for the final holy dip at Triveni Sangam, airfares have surged dramatically. Flight ticket prices from Delhi to Prayagraj have skyrocketed to Rs 30,000, while Mumbai to Prayagraj fares have reached Rs 25,000. To ensure smooth crowd management and security, the Indian Air Force has been deployed for aerial surveillance and emergency response.
As the last day of the grand religious congregation approaches, a massive crowd has gathered at the fairgrounds. From early Tuesday morning, people from nearby districts have been arriving in large numbers, causing heavy congestion at all entry points to Prayagraj. Due to the surge in devotees, traffic management has become a significant challenge for the administration.
To regulate the increasing influx, the authorities have imposed a no-vehicle zone in the city from 6 pm onwards on Tuesday. Additionally, the fairground has been declared a no-vehicle zone from 4 pm. All vehicles heading toward Prayagraj are being halted at designated parking areas 10 km away from Sangam to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience. Officials have urged devotees to opt for nearby ghats for their holy dip and return home after prayers.
By Tuesday noon, over 68.31 lakh devotees had already taken a dip in the sacred waters. Over the course of 44 days, since January 13, the Maha Kumbh 2025 has witnessed an astonishing 63.36 crore pilgrims participating in the holy ritual. On Monday alone, 1.3 crore devotees took the sacred dip at Triveni Sangam.
To enhance security measures, the authorities have deployed 1,450 CCTV cameras across key locations, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring. Additionally, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has stationed a specialised team to handle emergencies. More than 100 special trains are operating to accommodate the rising number of pilgrims travelling from Prayagraj to other pilgrimage sites such as Ayodhya and Varanasi.
The Maha Kumbh has also attracted Bollywood celebrities. On Monday, actors Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif were among the prominent personalities who took a dip in the holy Sangam.
Mahashivratri procession cancelled
Given the overwhelming crowd, the traditional 16-km Mahashivratri procession in Prayagraj has been cancelled. The decision was taken after discussions between ACP Kotwali Manoj Singh and local committees, who collectively agreed to suspend the procession for this year to ensure public safety.
Hotels full to capacity
With more than one crore devotees arriving daily, finding accommodation has become increasingly difficult. Most hotels, lodges, and home stays in Prayagraj have been fully booked until February 27. The tent city at Arail, managed by IRCTC, has also reached its maximum capacity, leaving limited options for last-minute travellers. The Prayagraj Hotels and Restaurants Welfare Association has confirmed that pilgrim turnout has far exceeded expectations, resulting in an acute accommodation shortage.
Special traffic plan in place
To manage the final bathing day, the administration has introduced a special traffic plan from February 25 at 8 am to February 27 at 8 am. During this period, only administrative and medical vehicles will be permitted entry into the fairground. Pilgrims have been instructed to park their vehicles at one of 36 designated parking zones, from where shuttle buses will transport them to the bathing ghats.
The authorities have advised devotees to strictly adhere to these regulations and use the shuttle services for convenience. In case of emergencies, dedicated teams of traffic police, security personnel, and medical units will be stationed across key locations to assist pilgrims.
DIG of Maha Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, assured that all necessary arrangements had been made for the concluding day of the fair. "Despite the massive crowd, we are confident that there will be no traffic disruptions or logistical issues. Our teams are fully prepared to manage the situation effectively," he stated.
Meanwhile, senior DCM Himanshu Shukla of the Prayagraj division emphasised that this final bathing event is their biggest challenge. "We have been conducting awareness campaigns through pamphlets, and extensive security measures have been put in place. The deployment of additional resources, including special trains and surveillance systems, will ensure a seamless experience for pilgrims."
24x7 security and surveillance
With over 63 crore devotees having participated so far, the Prayagraj District Magistrate, Ravindra Kumar Mandar, reaffirmed that security forces and administrative teams are working round-the-clock to ensure a safe and smooth experience for the devotees. "Our teams are dedicated to providing a secure and well-managed environment for all pilgrims. We are optimistic that Mahashivratri’s final bath will proceed without disruptions."
- With inputs from agencies
