Authorities in Prayagraj are making preparations for the upcoming Maha Shivratri festival, which marks the end day of the Maha Kumbh on February 26, 2025. With a massive number of devotees expected, security and logistical arrangements have been increased to ensure a smooth experience for people attending on the final day.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna said that police are taking strong measures against misinformation. "Thirteen FIRs have been registered against 140 social media handles for spreading misleading content," he stated. These actions aim to reduce the spread of false information and maintain order during religious gatherings.

The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has already witnessed a historic turnout. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that 620 million devotees have participated in the event so far, surpassing initial expectations. As the festival approaches its conclusion, authorities predict the number of visitors will exceed 650 million by the final holy dip at the Triveni Sangam.

"When the Maha Kumbh began, the estimated footfall was 450 million, but the count has already crossed 600 million," officials reported. The unmatched attendance shows the religious importance and global appeal of the event.

Expecting a further increase in visitors for Maha Shivratri, authorities have introduced strict crowd control measures, particularly at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station. Deputy Superintendent of Police Yashwant Singh outlined the strategy in place, pointing out the controlled entry of devotees onto platforms. "Passengers will be allowed access only when their respective trains arrive," he explained.

To enhance safety, over 350 personnel have been deployed at major locations, barricades have been set up to regulate the flow of passengers and a designated holding area has been set up to prevent overcrowding on platforms. Regular train announcements are also being made to keep travelers informed and facilitate easy transit.

Traffic management and security arrangements in Prayagraj

As devotees continue to arrive in large numbers, Prayagraj has been witnessing heavy traffic congestion. In response, authorities have implemented extensive measures for smoother vehicular movement and maintain order. Officials assure that arrangements have been made to manage the crowd efficiently, regardless of the scale of turnout on the final day.

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