Prayagraj Traffic Crisis
A massive 300-kilometre traffic jam left lakhs of devotees stranded for hours as they traveled to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering. The congestion turned highways into parking lots, with many vehicles stuck hundreds of kilometers from the fair site on Sunday and Monday.
Pilgrims Stranded for Hours
The unprecedented gridlock forced the Uttar Pradesh police to halt traffic across multiple districts, leaving travelers distressed. Many pilgrims were left hungry, thirsty, and exhausted as they remained confined to their vehicles for long durations.
Major bottlenecks were reported at:
- Nawabganj, 30 km before Prayagraj from the Lucknow route.
- Gauhania, 16 km before Rewa Road.
- A 12-15 km stretch toward Varanasi.
Additionally, overcrowding on trains left passengers squeezed into every available space, including train engines.
Political Criticism of Mismanagement
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav criticized the government’s handling of the event, calling for immediate relief for stranded pilgrims. He suggested making vehicles toll-free during the Maha Kumbh to ease congestion and reduce travel times.
Yadav questioned the administration’s approach, saying:
“Are common devotees not human beings? They should be treated with a humane perspective.”
He also pointed out that if films could be made tax-free, toll exemptions should be provided during such religious events.
Traffic Halted Across Madhya Pradesh
The impact of the jam extended into Madhya Pradesh, where police halted vehicular movement in several districts to prevent further congestion.
- In Katni, authorities used loudspeakers to announce that traffic would remain stopped until Monday.
- In Maihar, officers redirected vehicles back to Katni and Jabalpur for temporary shelter.
Videos circulating on social media revealed vehicles stuck across Katni, Jabalpur, Maihar, and Rewa districts, with the jam extending nearly 250 kilometers to the MP-UP border at Chakghat.
Support for Stranded Pilgrims
In response, Madhya Pradesh BJP President V.D. Sharma urged party workers to assist devotees by providing food, shelter, and other necessities. Sharma emphasized the need to ensure a smoother journey for all pilgrims, calling it a collective responsibility during this significant event.
Devotees Voice Frustration
Disappointed pilgrims shared their ordeal:
- A family from Faridabad said their journey, which should have been routine, took over 24 hours.
- Another family from Jaipur reported being stuck for hours to cover just a 4-kilometer stretch.
Authorities Under Pressure
With the Maha Kumbh Mela continuing until February 26, officials face mounting pressure to resolve the traffic chaos. Immediate measures are expected to ensure a smoother flow of vehicles for the remaining weeks of this grand religious event.
Key Highlights:
- 300-km traffic jam left lakhs stranded on Maha Kumbh route.
- Major bottlenecks reported near Prayagraj and neighboring states.
- Political leaders call for toll-free travel and better management.
- Authorities struggle to handle the influx of pilgrims.
