Extend Mahakumbh...: Akhilesh Yadav's Request To UP Govt As Millions Of Devotees Still Planning Prayaraj Visit

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has called on the Uttar Pradesh government to extend the duration of the Mahakumbh. He highlighted the large number of devotees still eager to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam. In a video message, Yadav noted that previous Mahakumbh events lasted 75 days, whereas this year's schedule is shorter.

Akhilesh Yadav expressed concern about elderly pilgrims who may struggle with the current timeframe. "I just wish, and this is what I have said, that the Kumbh Mela time should increase so that elderly people can peacefully take a holy dip at the Sangam," he stated. His remarks came as social media showed crowded trains and roads leading to the Mahakumbh.

Traffic and Bathing Guidelines

Due to the rising number of attendees at Prayagraj's Mahakumbh Mela, new traffic and bathing guidelines have been introduced. Devotees from different areas will have designated ghats for bathing. Those from Parade Mela can bathe at Sangam or nearby ghats, while visitors from Jhunsi and Arali have specific ghats allocated for them.

A 'No Vehicle' zone has been enforced throughout the Mahakumbh area. Only vehicles authorised by Mela Police are permitted entry. Other vehicles must be parked in designated areas. Emergency services like ambulances and logistics vehicles are exceptions to this rule.

Special Train Services

Northern Railway has announced two special Vande Bharat trains on February 15, 16, and 17 for devotees attending the event. This initiative aims to ease transportation challenges faced by pilgrims traveling to Prayagraj during this period.

Earlier in the week, Akhilesh Yadav criticised the BJP-led central government over difficulties faced by pilgrims reaching Prayagraj for Mahakumbh. On X, he questioned whether promises of 3,000 special trains were meant for this event or a future one in 2169.

Record-Breaking Attendance

The Uttar Pradesh government reported that over 3.324 million devotees had taken a dip at Triveni Sangam by Saturday morning. The state's information department also revealed that nearly 501.1 million people have participated in holy dips so far.