Free Shuttle Bus Service for Devotees During Mauni Amavasya at Mahakumbh Mela

Ravi Singh

Free Shuttle Bus Service: In preparation for the grand bathing festival of Mauni Amavasya, considered the most significant event of the Mahakumbh Mela, devotees will be able to avail of free travel on Uttar Pradesh Roadways and urban transport shuttle buses. Free bus service would be available across 13 designated routes from January 28 to January 30 so that pilgrims could travel free of charge.

This holy “Amrit Snan” on Wednesday, January 30, is anticipated to attract as many as 10 crore pilgrims to Prayagraj. The police administration has deployed more police forces at Prayagraj and in other religious destinations like Varanasi and Ayodhya also where the rush of pilgrims is increasing, for security arrangement purposes. This will continue up to February 5 for safety and hassle-free visitations of the devotees.

Officials at the DGP headquarters say that 2,000 extra police personnel have been posted in Prayagraj for Mauni Amavasya. Besides, two companies of RAF have been put on duty for the event. The same has happened in Varanasi and Ayodhya where 2,000 police personnel along with RAF units have been deployed. In addition, this would require support from armed border forces and CAPFs, in case the crowd pressure mounted. Four companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), one flood relief company, and some senior officers were deployed in Varanasi.

Meanwhile, three ASPs are stationed in Ayodhya city. Four DSPs, one RAF company, six PAC companies, one flood relief company, 20 inspectors, 75 sub-inspectors, 10 lady sub-inspectors, 220 constables, and 50 traffic personnel fortify Ayodhya. Also, Mirzapur has been given each one company of PAC, CAPF, and a flood relief unit. Chitrakoot has been provided with two PAC companies, one CAPF company, traffic personnel, and a bomb disposal squad.

DGP Prashant Kumar has issued a high alert in districts bordering Prayagraj, instructing local police chiefs to camp near border areas to oversee security arrangements and ensure smooth traffic management for the pilgrims. At other religious institutions as well, police officials have been directed to make strong security arrangements and closely monitor crowd movement. Any issues arising from this have to be communicated to the senior authorities immediately.

To maintain close vigilance, a control room has been established at DGP headquarters, where officers will monitor activities round the clock. This should ensure that the Mauni Amavasya festival is conducted peacefully and devotees can participate in the auspicious Amrit Snan ceremony without any hindrance.