New Delhi:
As the Maha Kumbh Mela continues to draw millions of devotees to Prayagraj, the roads leading to this sacred site have transformed into an unprecedented 300-kilometer-long traffic jam, earning the dubious title of the “world’s biggest traffic jam.” This congestion, stretching across multiple districts in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, has turned what is normally a 4-hour journey into a grueling 12-hour ordeal for many pilgrims.
The Prayagraj Sangam railway station, overwhelmed by the sheer number of attendees, has been closed until February 14 to manage the crowds. This shutdown is just one of the many measures authorities are taking to cope with the influx of devotees eager to take the sacred ‘Snan’ or holy dip at the Triveni Sangam.
The highways connecting Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Kashi are severely choked, with vehicles stranded for hours. Pilgrims traveling from neighboring states, including Bihar, are also caught in the gridlock, with a 10-kilometer-long traffic jam reported on the Rohtas-National Highway in Sasaram, Bihar. Here, travelers have been forced to spend both day and night on the roadside.
Local residents in Prayagraj are feeling the brunt of this congestion, with daily commutes becoming a nightmare and essential supplies like ration and milk becoming scarce. “Commuting has become a nightmare. Even basic supplies are unavailable,” lamented a local resident.
To mitigate the situation, authorities have stopped traffic in various districts of Madhya Pradesh to prevent overcrowding at the MP-UP borders. Police are coordinating closely with the Prayagraj administration to manage the flow of vehicles and ensure the safety of pilgrims. Announcements have been made in districts like Katni, advising vehicles to return towards Katni and Jabalpur and to stay there until the traffic situation improves.
The Prayagraj administration has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory in preparation for the Magh Purnima Snan on February 12, aiming to ensure the smooth movement and safety of devotees. Despite these efforts, the sheer volume of devotees continues to test the city’s infrastructure.
Arrangements are being made for the safe stay, food, and water of people stuck in traffic jams. The Rewa district administration is coordinating with the Prayagraj administration to provide necessary amenities to stranded pilgrims. MP BJP president VD Sharma has urged party workers to assist pilgrims by providing food and accommodation where needed.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which commenced on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, has already drawn over 40 crore devotees. The festival, marking the completion of a 12-Kumbh Mela cycle, is expected to see more devotees in the coming weeks. While the Incharge Inspector General of Police (Rewa zone) has assured that the traffic situation is likely to ease in a couple of days, the current chaos remains a significant challenge.
