Maha Kumbh stampede aftermath: Fresh directives issued, VVIP passes cancelled and more

As many as 30 people died and nearly 60 people sustained injuries due to the stampede near the Triveni Sangam area at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. The incident took place as thousands of devotees were making their way toward the Sangam for the Amrit Snan, one of the most significant rituals of the festival.

The chaos unfolded roughly one kilometre from the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati river, when the crowd surged and caused barricades to collapse, leading to widespread panic. 

The injured were swiftly taken to a nearby hospital within the Maha Kumbh fairgrounds. Those with more severe injuries were later transferred to Bailey Hospital and Swaroop Rani Medical College for further treatment.

Also Read: 30 dead, 60 injured in Maha Kumbh stampede

What Led To The Stampede Like Situation At Maha Kumbh?

Devotees in massive numbers flocked to Maha Kumbh for the Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya which is of great spiritual importance, particularly this year. This coincides with the rare 'Triveni Yog' celestial alignment, which only takes place once every 144 years.

This rare event heightened the enthusiasm and devotion of the millions of people who gathered for the ritual. The chaos unfolded roughly one kilometer from the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati river at around 2 am, when the crowd surged and caused barricades to collapse, leading to widespread panic.

Key Steps Aftermath The Tragic Incident:

The concerned authorities have imposed some key changes following the Maha Kumbh stampede:

• Vehicles from other districts have been restricted. 

• A complete no-vehicle zone has been enforced.

• Authorities have cancelled VVIP passes.

• A one-way traffic system has been implemented.

• Four-wheelers have been banned until February 4.

In response to the disaster, several Akharas chose to cancel the 'Amrit Snan' of Mauni Amavasya and have pledged their full support to the authorities in restoring order. To manage the crisis, authorities enacted a crowd diversion strategy, temporarily blocking devotees from entering the city and halting large groups on the outskirts.

Several trains from Patna Junction to Prayagraj, including Superfast services like the Bhagalpur Anand Vihar Vikramshila Express, Brahmaputra Mail, Danapur Bengaluru Express, Raxaul Mumbai Express, Danapur Sogaria Garib Rath Express, Muzaffarpur Pune AC Express, Baba Baidyanathdham Deoghar SuperFast Express, Patna Anand Vihar Special Express, and Muzaffarpur Secunderabad Special Express, have been cancelled. Additionally, two special Kumbh trains departing from Patna Junction have also been called off.

What Did PM Modi, UP CM Say?

Saddened over the tragic incident PM Modi said on social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), “The accident that happened in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way. In this regard, I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and I am constantly in touch with the state government.”

प्रयागराज महाकुंभ में हुआ हादसा अत्यंत दुखद है। इसमें जिन श्रद्धालुओं ने अपने परिजनों को खोया है, उनके प्रति मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएं। इसके साथ ही मैं सभी घायलों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करता हूं। स्थानीय प्रशासन पीड़ितों की हरसंभव मदद में जुटा हुआ है। इस सिलसिले में मैंने…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2025

UP CM Yogi Adityanath shared his condolences through social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), “The incident that happened in Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj is extremely sad and heartbreaking. My humble tribute to the dead and my condolences are with the bereaved families...”

महाकुम्भ-2025, प्रयागराज में हुई घटना अत्यंत दु:खद है, मर्माहत करने वाली है।

मृतकों को विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि व मेरी संवेदनाएं शोक संतप्त परिजनों के साथ हैं... pic.twitter.com/IuJ8Sz2GTh

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 29, 2025

Odisha CM Mohan Majhi condoled the tragic incident and expressed grief on social media platform, X (formerly Twitter) and said, "The news regarding the death of several devotees in the stampede that occurred along the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj is very tragic."

"May Lord Jagannath grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear the tragic loss. I also wish a speedy recovery to all the injured devotees," his post further read.

प्रयागराज महाकुंभ में संगम तट पर घटित भगदड़ की दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण घटना में कई श्रद्धालुओं के निधन और घायल होने की खबर अत्यंत दुःखद है। महाप्रभु श्री जगन्नाथ से प्रार्थना है कि वे दिवंगत आत्माओं को शांति प्रदान करें और शोकाकुल परिवारों को यह दुःख सहने की शक्ति दें। साथ ही, सभी घायलों…

— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) January 29, 2025

State And Central Govt’s Steps To Handle The Situation:

UP CM Yogi Adityanath requested devotees to take the holy dip at other designated ghats instead of trying to overcrowd the Sangam Nose in order to avoid another such devastating incident from occurring once again. He also requested revered saints, devotees, citizens of the state and the country to not pay any attention to rumours and act with patience.

सभी पूज्य संतों, श्रद्धालुओं, प्रदेश एवं देश वासियों से मेरी अपील है कि अफवाह पर कोई ध्यान न दें, संयम से काम लें, प्रशासन आप सभी की सेवा के लिए तत्परता से कार्य कर रहा है... pic.twitter.com/r3qAkveJoz

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 29, 2025

The UP CM also announced an ex gratia of Rs 25 Lakh each for the bereaved families in the tragic incident at the Maha Kumbh 2025.

#WATCH | On Mahakumbh stampede, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says "We are also announcing financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh each to the families of the deceased who have lost their lives in the accident on behalf of the state government. The judicial commission will look… pic.twitter.com/XStIoFwQD0

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025

Home Minister Amit Shah took cognizance of the matter and assured all possible assistance from the Centre to manage the situation and ensure the safety of devotees.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda assured full support, including volunteers and health services, to manage the situation effectively.