As devotees bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026, Ujjain is witnessing one of its heaviest annual footfalls. Pilgrims from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and across Madhya Pradesh are arriving in large numbers for darshan. Officials estimate that nearly 1.5 to 2 lakh devotees are reaching the city daily. The number of four-wheeler vehicles entering Ujjain has risen sharply from an average of 6,000 on normal days to around 12,000 during the ongoing rush.

To prevent gridlock and reduce pressure on inner-city roads, Ujjain Police have, for the first time, coordinated with technical experts to modify navigation routes displayed on Google Maps. A 10-member joint team comprising police personnel, a cyber unit and a Gurugram-based IT company is monitoring traffic conditions in real time from 8 am to 10 pm.

According to senior police officials, whenever congestion builds up on a particular stretch, that route is temporarily blocked on Google Maps. Alternative, less crowded routes are simultaneously activated, directing incoming vehicles towards designated parking zones on the city’s outskirts. This ensures that pilgrims relying on navigation apps are diverted away from overcrowded areas before entering the city core.

CSP Deshmukh said the system allows authorities to respond instantly to traffic pressure. “As soon as we anticipate congestion, vehicles are diverted on the ground and the same change is reflected on navigation apps. This coordination has significantly reduced bottlenecks,” he said.

Despite these measures, congestion persists at several locations, including Begumbag, Mahakal Valley, Gudri Square, Harsiddhi Temple area, Jantar Mantar and Shaktipath, largely due to vehicles being parked at unauthorised spots. The Temple Committee has appealed to devotees to strictly use designated parking facilities.

In parallel, the Mahakal Temple Committee has imposed restrictions on darshan to manage crowds. Online booking for Bhasma Aarti has been suspended until January 5, while VIP darshan has been restricted following a turnout of over 5.5 lakh devotees in the past three days. Entry routes for darshan have also been revised to streamline movement.

Officials said if the pilot proves fully effective, the model may be scaled up for major religious events, including Simhastha 2028.