The heightened security comes in the wake of a tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on February 15
Ayodhya Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi has assured that the administration is taking all necessary steps to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for devotees visiting the city on Maha Shivratri, scheduled for February 26.
“We are working to guarantee the comfort of the pilgrims travelling to Ayodhya. We met with the district government today and made several provisions for the people’s convenience,” Tripathi said on Sunday.
He further emphasised that devotees will not face any inconvenience. “Our traffic and diversion plans are ready. Our sanitation and drinking water systems have been updated. We have two Shiva temples of historical significance—Nageshwarnath and Kshireshwar Nath—where we have made all necessary arrangements,” he added.
Crowd Control Measures At Railway Station
With a large influx of devotees expected, authorities have implemented extensive crowd management measures at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station to ensure safety. Deputy Superintendent of Police Yashwant Singh explained that access to platforms will be strictly controlled.
“Devotees will only be allowed to go to the platform when the train arrives. We have increased security ahead of the Maha Kumbh snan on Maha Shivratri. Additional personnel have been deployed, taking the total to more than 350. Barricades have been set up, and a holding area has been established to regulate the crowd. Announcements are being made regularly to keep passengers informed,” DSP Singh stated.
He added that these measures are designed to prevent overcrowding, ensuring that platform capacity is not exceeded.
Lessons From New Delhi Stampede
The heightened security comes in the wake of a tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on February 15, where thousands of devotees were en route to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival. The stampede resulted in 18 deaths and multiple injuries due to overcrowding.
In response, the Ministry of Railways has announced plans to construct permanent holding areas at around 60 railway stations across the country that experience frequent congestion. According to ministry sources, this initiative aims to improve crowd management and enhance passenger safety at busy transit points.
UP Government Ramps Up Maha Kumbh Preparations
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has intensified preparations for the final major bath of Maha Shivratri at the ongoing Maha Kumbh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed top officials to ensure seamless arrangements for the occasion.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar recently visited Mahakumbh Nagar to assess the situation and provide further instructions to officials.
Speaking to the media, DGP Prashant Kumar said, “We are making comprehensive arrangements for traffic control, crowd management, and ensuring a smooth experience for devotees, especially during the last bath and the upcoming weekend. Our constant endeavour is to ensure that devotees do not face any kind of inconvenience.”
With increased security, better infrastructure, and enhanced crowd management measures in place, authorities are aiming for an organised and hassle-free experience for the millions of pilgrims expected to visit Ayodhya and Prayagraj for Maha Shivratri.
