Over 85 Lakh Devotees Take Holy Dip on January 14: Magh Mela Officer Rishiraj
Administration on high alert; three control centers set up for the first time
1,800 roadways buses deployed, QRT teams on active duty
Railways ensure seamless coordination with 8 ring rail services and special halts for 16 trains
Prayagraj, January : The second major bathing festival (Snan) of the Magh Mela, Makar Sankranti, was observed with deep devotion on the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj on January 14, even though the Magh Mela administration has officially designated January 15 as the main Snan day.
Due to the observance of Shatila Ekadashi on Wednesday and the auspicious timing of the Makar Sankranti Snan beginning in the afternoon, a continuous influx of devotees began arriving at the ghats early in the morning to take the sacred dip.
According to Magh Mela Officer Rishiraj, the number of devotees had crossed 50 lakh by noon, and by Wednesday evening, the total number of pilgrims—especially those who traditionally observe Makar Sankranti on January 14—exceeded 85 lakh.
Enhanced Facilities and Vigilant Administration
In response to the massive turnout, the already alert Magh Mela administration further strengthened public amenities and safety measures. A total of 24 bathing ghats have been developed, with their combined length extended to 3.69 kilometers. The ghat area has also been expanded through dredging, following the model adopted during the Mahakumbh.
For the convenience of women pilgrims, over 1,200 changing rooms have been constructed along the ghats. For the first time, temporary foldable canopy-style changing rooms have also been installed near permanent ghats.
To ensure round-the-clock monitoring, three control centers have been established at the
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Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC),
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Police Lines, and
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District Collectorate.
Smooth Transportation Arrangements
The roadways and railways are working in close coordination with the Magh Mela administration to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims. District Magistrate Prayagraj, Manish Kumar Verma, informed that 1,800 roadways buses have been deployed, while Quick Response Teams (QRTs) remain on standby to manage any emergencies.
To further facilitate travel during the Mela period, the railways are operating eight ring rail service trains. Additionally, 16 trains have been provided temporary two-minute halts at Prayagraj Rambagh and Jhusi stations. A single-entry system has been implemented at station entry points to effectively manage crowd flow.
At Prayagraj Junction, 18 passenger shelters with a combined capacity of 1.20 lakh passengers have been constructed. Moreover, 1,186 CCTV cameras have been installed across railway premises to ensure enhanced security and surveillance.