Prayagraj: Following the successful conduct of the Mahakumbh 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government has commenced preparations for the upcoming Magh Mela in Prayagraj. To ensure seamless transportation for pilgrims, the Kanpur region will operate 270 special Magh Mela buses this year, running round-the-clock service. Authorities are taking strict measures to ensure buses are available on time and pilgrims can travel conveniently to all six bathing festivals scheduled during the fair.
Strategic Deployment Across Multiple Depots
Mahesh Kumar, Regional Manager of Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), Kanpur, said that the 270 buses will be operated according to passenger demand. The buses will be coordinated from the main hub at Jharkarkati Bus Stand, while operations have been distributed across various depots, including Mati Depot (Kanpur Dehat), Fatehpur, and Unnao, ensuring smooth connectivity to Prayagraj.
Special Shuttle Services for Pilgrims
In addition to long-distance buses, 50 special shuttle buses will operate to transport pilgrims from outer stands in Prayagraj to the nearest points of the Sangam area and back. This arrangement aims to reduce long walks, particularly for elderly pilgrims and children, providing enhanced convenience and comfort.
Safety and Maintenance Measures
The transport department has ensured that all buses will be in excellent condition, equipped with fog lamps, functional headlights, window catchers, horn seats, and maintained for cleanliness. Each bus will display mela-specific route stickers to prevent confusion among pilgrims, allowing them to board the correct bus for their designated route.
High Vigilance During Key Bathing Days
During Muni Amavasya, the day expected to see the highest rush of pilgrims, additional counters and help desks will be set up at Jharkarkati Bus Stand. Bus schedules have been planned so that no pilgrim waits more than 10–15 minutes. Depot managers are on high alert, with a reserve fleet ready to replace any buses that face technical issues. Maximum bus operations are planned for Makar Sankranti (January 14) and Muni Amavasya (January 18), while operations will continue efficiently through Basant Panchami (January 23).
Pilgrim Convenience is the Priority
Regional authorities emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure that pilgrims from Kanpur and surrounding districts experience smooth travel to Prayagraj without delays. Teams from all depots, along with technical staff, will be stationed on the ground to ensure uninterrupted operations. Continuous monitoring and round-the-clock readiness aim to make pilgrim transport during Magh Mela 2025 safe, efficient, and convenient.
