Extra 1,000 Buses to Operate on Mouni Amavasya in UP for Smooth Pilgrim Transport

Ravi Singh

The Uttar Pradesh Transport Department will operate an additional 1,000 buses on the occasion of Mouni Amavasya to facilitate the smooth travel of pilgrims arriving for the Mahakumbh bath. Initially, the department had already planned to run 7,000 buses on the auspicious day. However, due to the anticipated large influx of devotees, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the operation of an additional 1,000 buses to ensure there are no transportation-related difficulties.

On Saturday, the state’s Transport Minister (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Singh met with departmental officials at the Planning Department to discuss arrangements for the important bath on January 29 and February 3. He emphasized that Mouni Amavasya is one of the most significant days of the Mahakumbh, with a substantial number of devotees expected to participate. He urged officials to coordinate with police and administrative authorities to provide pilgrims with excellent transport services. He also suggested involving private operators to support and improve the transportation arrangements.

The Transport Minister also instructed that temporary arrangements at the nine makeshift bus stations in Prayagraj should include provisions for passengers such as blankets, tea, and other necessary services. He advised the authorities to coordinate with NGOs for better facilities at these stations. For those without accommodation, temporary resting facilities should be arranged at these stations. A traffic management plan will also be implemented to ensure smooth movement at these temporary hubs.

Furthermore, the Transport Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining safety standards in buses, including the availability of first aid kits and fire safety devices. He also directed that ambulances and cranes be made available to handle emergencies promptly.

The meeting included a video conference with administrative, police, and departmental officials from all districts to ensure all arrangements are in place for the pilgrims during the Mouni Amavasya festival.