Mahakumbh 2025 is in full swing, and numerous facilities are being provided for the convenience of devotees attending this grand religious gathering. In a landmark decision, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a toll tax exemption at seven key toll plazas for private vehicles traveling to Prayagraj. This initiative aims to ease travel for pilgrims, ensuring a hassle-free journey. The toll-free facility will be available for the next few days, benefiting approximately 100 million devotees.
Toll Plazas Offering Toll-Free Passage
During Mahakumbh 2025, pilgrims heading to Prayagraj will be exempted from paying toll tax at the following seven major toll plazas:
- Chitrakoot Highway: Umapur Toll Plaza
- Ayodhya Highway: Mauaima Toll Plaza
- Lucknow Highway: Andhiya Toll Plaza
- Mirzapur Road: Mungari Toll Plaza
- Varanasi Road: Handia Toll Plaza
- Kanpur Road: Kokhraj Toll Plaza
- Rewa Highway: Ganne Toll Plaza
This exemption applies only to private vehicles, reducing the financial burden on devotees and making their pilgrimage smoother and more accessible.
Eligible Vehicles for Toll-Free Travel
The toll-free initiative is exclusively for private and personal-use vehicles, including cars and small private vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and heavy cargo trucks will not be eligible for this exemption. This ensures that only genuine pilgrims benefit from the scheme while maintaining road infrastructure and traffic efficiency.
Government’s Extensive Preparations for Mahakumbh 2025
With an estimated 600 million devotees expected to attend Mahakumbh 2025, the government has undertaken extensive measures to facilitate a comfortable and safe pilgrimage. The toll-free travel scheme is one such initiative, reflecting the government’s commitment to seamless transportation. A similar exemption was provided during the 2019 Maha Kumbh, which received positive feedback. Continuing this tradition, the Uttar Pradesh government and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) have once again implemented this crucial travel relief.
Additional Facilities for Devotees
To ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims, the government has introduced several other arrangements:
1. Special Highway Barricading
Major highways leading to Prayagraj will have special barricades to regulate traffic flow and prevent congestion, ensuring smooth movement for devotees.
2. Help Desks and Volunteers at Toll Plazas
Dedicated help desks and volunteers will be stationed at every toll plaza to assist pilgrims with directions, information, and emergency needs.
3. Expanded Parking Facilities
Additional parking spaces will be designated along key routes, minimizing disruptions in traffic and preventing congestion.
4. Traffic Control Measures in Sangam City
Special traffic management teams, including police and highway patrol units, will be deployed to regulate vehicular movement and ensure a smooth transit experience in and around Prayagraj.
These proactive measures will not only enhance the travel experience for devotees but also contribute to the overall efficiency and security of Mahakumbh 2025, making it a well-organized and spiritually fulfilling event for all attendees.
