Varanasi to Go Vehicle-Free During Sawan: Major Crowd Management & Security Reforms Announced

KKN Gurugram Desk | In a bid to enhance safety and traffic flow during the month of Sawan, Varanasi district officials have declared a no-vehicle zone between Godowlia and Maidagin. The decision, confirmed by Divisional Commissioner S. Rajalingam and Commissioner of Police Mohit Agrawal, was reached after a multi-departmental meeting at Kashi Vishwanath Dham on Thursday.

The new traffic regulations, logistical upgrades, and crowd control measures aim to streamline the rush of pilgrims flocking to Varanasi in thousands. Here’s an in-depth overview of this major civic overhaul:

 No Vehicle Zone Introduced for Sawan Pilgrims

A critical highlight of the announcement is the no-vehicle vehicle-free stretch on all Saturdays and Mondays, coinciding with the day of Lord Shiva in the Hindu week. Effective during Sawan special events, the road between Godowlia and Maidagin—a high-traffic pilgrimage corridor—will be closed to all motorized vehicles.

Important Temple Entry Rules

• Access for pilgrims will be strictly through gates Nandufaria, Annapurna, Saraswati, and Ganga (Bhairav Gate).

• Local residents can use Gate No. 4.

• Morning and evening darshan ‘Jhanki’ sessions will occur between 4–5 am and 4–5 pm, except on Sawan Mondays and religious festivals, when these are suspended.

 Infrastructure Enhancements: Temporary Lockers, Lighting & CCTV

To reduce inconvenience for pilgrims, authorities have instructed:

1. Temporary locker facilities near stations and bus stands

2. Repair of street lighting along major temple pathways

3. Verification and deployment of additional CCTV cameras

4. Installation of six new public address (PA) systems across the temple complex

These measures are designed for continuous crowd monitoring and safety during the peak festival period.

Accessibility & Transport Aid for Special Needs

Ease of movement for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims is a top priority:

• Dedicated Golf-cart services between Godowlia and Maidagin

• Regular route patrolling to assist with boarding and deboarding

• Medical and NDRF backup available to ensure prompt response

 Emergency Preparedness and Civic Hygiene

Officials have mandated:

• Regular inspections of street electrification, eliminating exposed or dangling wires

• Regular sanitation drives, along with mobile toilets placed at strategic locations

• Availability of small ambulances and round-the-clock health teams

• Installation of PPE-based crowd barriers (zigzag barricading) to guide high-volume foot traffic

• Prohibition of e-rickshaws and pedal rickshaws in high-traffic shrine zones

Police and civic security teams are to monitor pedestrian flows, enforce prohibitions, and oversee emergency evacuation routes.

 Parking & Traffic Demand Management

To address congestion and vehicle drop-offs:

• Temporary parking lots will be set up at:

  • Harischandra College grounds

  • Nagari Pracharini Upgraded School

  • Sanatan Dharma Inter College

• Parking management zones will be staffed by city traffic authorities

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• Barriers and flagmen will guide pilgrims from parking zones to shrine paths

This redeployment of space aims to keep core temple zones pedestrian-only and smooth pilgrimage flows.

 Local Road Repairs Across Godowlia Corridor

While officials strive to manage pilgrim movement during Sawan, local traders and elected reps have flagged deteriorating roads in the Girjaghar to Godowlia corridor. On-ground inspections involving the Mayor, Commissioner of Police, and traffic ADCP fuelled the demand to repair potholes and flooded patches that hinder passenger and cargo mobility.

• Next steps include PWD oversight, barrier adjustments, and patchwork prior to Sawan surge

• Traders emphasized the need for rolling barricades on sidewalks, priority drainage clearance, and swift reparative action

This civic-cum-commercial push aims to ease access for tourists and trade alike.

 Key Officials Involved in the Sawan Plan

• S. Rajalingam, Divisional Commissioner – Chief convenor

• Mohit Agrawal, Police Commissioner

• Collector: Satyendra Kumar

• Deputy Commissioners: Shivhari Meena, Alok Verma, Vinay Singh

• Municipal CEO: Vishwabhushan Mishra

Representatives from temple trusts, traders’ associations, and civic bodies conducted pre-Sawan inspections and finalized the action blueprint with engineer teams.

 Sawan Calendar: Why Timing Matters

• Sawan Mondays: Marking the day of worship for Lord Shiva

• Peak pilgrimage weeks: June 21 onward through the first fortnight

• Special darshan slots: Four primary windows per day, except major festival periods when timings are modified

These event-based traffic and crowd protocols are seasonal and apply only to specific festival days and pilgrimage crowds.

 Why These Sawan Measures Are Crucial

1. Massive footfall – Over 1 million pilgrims expected during peak Sawan

2. Narrow pathways and street stalls crowding roads necessitate pedestrianization

3. Flood response – Sawan coincides with monsoon edging in, raising flood risks

4. Safety first – Forced parking and e-rickshaw bans counter stampede threats

5. Inclusive access – Transport aid ensures participation for senior citizens and differently-abled communities

 What Pilgrims Should Know

• No vehicles allowed between Godowlia–Maidagin on festival days

• Entry & exit gates strictly limited to designated shrine points

• Keep a watch for PA announcements and CCTV-based crowd instructions

• Use public parking zones away from shrine routes

• Access to electric or pedal rickshaws is restricted in shrine precincts

This article equips pilgrims, media outlets, and civic planners with a clear, keyword-rich, factual brief ahead of large-scale Sawan activities in India’s holiest city.

With Sawan season underway, the Varanasi administration has unveiled well-rounded security, accessibility, and traffic plans—including no-vehicle closure, crowd barriers, parking systems, and public facilities upgrade. These interventions aim to preserve the sanctity of pilgrimage, ensure citizen safety, and reduce chaos during peak religious gatherings.

Stay tuned to KKNLive.com for live updates, route maps, on-ground pilgrim tips, and festival-specific advisories.