In response to an unprecedented surge of pilgrims in Varanasi, the city police have implemented a major traffic restriction to ensure safety and order. The road connecting Maidagin and Godowlia has been officially declared a no-vehicle zone until the conclusion of the Magh Mela in Prayagraj in 2026.
Massive Pilgrim Influx Drives Decision
The drastic measure comes after authorities recorded a staggering daily footfall. Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal revealed that over the past five to six days, an average of more than three lakh pilgrims have been visiting daily. The numbers swell significantly on weekends, with the count of visitors ranging between four to five lakhs on Saturdays and Sundays. This immense crowd, primarily heading to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Dham, necessitated a revised crowd management strategy.
Details of the New Traffic Plan
The new regulation is comprehensive. The prohibition on the designated stretch applies to all categories of vehicles. This includes VVIP, VIP, Army, paramilitary forces, police, and administrative vehicles. The only exceptions are two-wheelers used by local traders for their business activities. The primary goal is to allow only pedestrian movement, facilitating a safer and more organized darshan experience for devotees.
To support vulnerable visitors, the administration is providing a golf cart facility for differently-abled persons, pregnant women, and senior citizens. Commissioner Agrawal emphasized that all arrangements are focused on the convenience, safety, and smooth movement of devotees throughout the Magh Mela period.
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
The police are leaving no stone unturned in enforcing this plan. The area will see:
- Adequate police force deployment
- Strategic barricading
- Continuous monitoring by authorities
The temple administration has also adapted its practices, offering Sparsha Darshan (the opportunity to touch the deity) only when crowd sizes are manageable. Commissioner Agrawal has made a public appeal, urging locals and pilgrims to adhere to the prescribed traffic rules, use pedestrian routes, and cooperate with police to maintain a secure and smooth darshan system in the holy city of Kashi.
