Prayagraj: In anticipation of an unprecedented influx of devotees, elaborate security and crowd management arrangements are being planned for the upcoming Magh Mela 2026, scheduled to begin on Jan 3 next year. With a sharp rise in pilgrim turnout since the Maha Kumbh, officials expect this year’s fair to witness a massive gathering of devotees at the Sangam.According to officials of the Magh Mela authority, seven sectors will be set up this year, each equipped with its own control room to monitor and manage crowd movement. These local control centres will remain connected to a central control room to ensure real-time coordination across the entire fair area. The aim is to prevent overcrowding and maintain order even during peak bathing days.In recent meetings, detailed discussions were held not only on the layout of the mela area but also on the traffic plan and measures to reduce inconvenience for pilgrims. Special attractions are also being planned in different sectors to encourage visitors to explore all parts of the Mela and interact with various religious institutions and saints. Authorities are also working to promote longer tourist stays in Prayagraj so that visitors do not leave immediately after bathing at the Sangam. Meanwhile, the North Central Railway (NCR) has launched intensive preparations based on inputs from various zonal railways, which estimate that three to four times more passengers than usual will arrive by train for this year’s Mela. Railway officials have termed the event a rehearsal for Kumbh 2031. General Manager, NCR, Naresh Pal Singh, said that weekly review meetings have begun to monitor progress. Detailed strategies are being framed to manage passenger flow at Prayagraj Junction, Prayag, and Rambagh stations, where holding areas will be reorganised to prevent overcrowding. The NCR will also increase the number of special trains on key routes and operate reserve trains to handle the surge in devotees.