As per reports, the railway and police administration in Varanasi have implemented extensive crowd management, security, and traffic control measures ahead of New Year 2026, in view of the heavy influx of pilgrims for Kashi Vishwanath Darshan and the upcoming Magh Mela. Nearly five lakh devotees are visiting daily, prompting enhanced arrangements across railway stations, temple areas, and major city routes.
In addition to railway preparedness, the Varanasi Police Commissionerate has issued a traffic alert, implementing traffic diversions and vehicle restrictions until Monday (05 January 2026), to ensure smooth public movement and effective crowd control during the New Year period.
• Railway and Passenger Management Measures:
• Varanasi Cantt Railway Station has established a dedicated holding area to protect passengers from cold weather and prevent health issues.
• Medical teams have been deployed at the railway station for passenger assistance.
• 120 CCTV cameras have been installed and repaired at Varanasi Cantt station for continuous monitoring.
• Surveillance is being jointly conducted by Government Railway Police (GRP), railway police, and local police forces.
• Security monitoring is being carried out continuously by the Station Director.
• Authorities are managing an expected daily footfall of approximately five-eight lakh devotees during the New Year period.
• VIP Darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been suspended from 24 December 2025 due to the anticipated surge in devotees.
• Traffic Diversions and Vehicle Restrictions (valid until 05 January 2026):
• Traffic diversions have been implemented as required to manage crowd pressure during the New Year period. In case of excessive congestion, vehicles arriving from other cities or districts will not be allowed towards Ganga ghats.
• On Wednesday (31 December), external vehicles will be allowed to park only at designated parking locations.
• Heavy vehicles will be parked at designated areas including:– Sampurnanand Sanskrit University– Padmashri Chauraha, Ravindrapuri– Near Chaukaghat– Near Lahartara
• All routes connected to Godowlia have been declared no-vehicle zones.
• Vehicular movement is restricted on the Jangambadi route via Maidagin-Godowlia.
• Vehicles will be parked at Town Hall parking (Beniya, Maidagin).
• In case of increased traffic pressure, vehicular movement on the Gurubagh-Luxa route may also be suspended.
• Movement of all types of four-wheelers and heavy vehicles will remain restricted up to Lahurabir, Maidagin, Vishweshwarganj, and Golgadda.
• Entry of large vehicles will also remain restricted towards Broadway Tiraha, Agarwal Tiraha, Sonarpura, and Godowlia.
