Day after Maha Kumbh stampede: VIP passes cancelled, no-vehicle zone, curbs on routes

Entry of vehicles from all adjoining districts has been banned and these will be stopped outside Prayagraj city. Instructions have also gone out to completely ban entry of four-wheelers inside the city until February 4.

Devotees take a holy dip a day after the stampede at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. (Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)

An officer on security duty said, “It has been communicated that VVIP passes have been revoked, meaning special passes will no longer allow vehicle entry. One-way routes have been introduced to facilitate smooth movement of people. Additionally, vehicle entry has been restricted at the district borders. A strict ban on vehicle entry into the city will remain in place until February 4.”

People search for their missing relatives following the Maha Kumbh stampede, in Prayagraj on Thursday. (Source: PTI)

The administration said these measures are designed to manage the crowds and ensure the safety of devotees. People are being urged to adhere to the guidelines and cooperate.

Following the new directions, a large number of devotees arriving in vehicles were stopped at the district border, and entry regulated in small groups to prevent overcrowding in the Maha Kumbh area. This led to large crowds gathering at the entry points to Prayagraj.

Later in the day, security teams stationed at the borders started letting devotees enter the city area in controlled batches.

Officials stand with an ambulance inside the Motilal Nehru Medical College mortuary after a stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela on Mauni Amavasya in Prayagraj. (Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)

There’s heavy police presence at the Sangam Nose – – it’s the strip of land at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati – and ghats to regulate the movement of devotees. People are not allowed to remain at the Sangam Nose and ghats for an extended period. They are being told to take a dip upon arrival and vacate the area without any delay.

Entry of vehicles from all adjoining districts has been banned and these will be stopped outside Prayagraj city.

Additional barricades have been installed to ensure the orderly flow of the crowds at the ghats.

In a preliminary inquiry into the stampede incident, security agencies found that most victims were those who had been resting at the Sangam Nose and ghats. Some were waiting for the auspicious time to take the dip, while others were hoping to meet sadhus and members of the Akharas.

“Some devotees said they were resting at the Sangam ghats and Nose after walking on foot for 15-20 km,” a senior official said.