Enormous 300-km Traffic Snarl Leaves Thousands of Pilgrims Stranded on Way to Maha Kumbh
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Synopsis
A significant traffic jam of 300 kilometers has left lakhs of devotees stranded on their way to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The situation has garnered criticism from political leaders and raised concerns about the management of this major religious event.
Key Takeaways
- 300 km traffic jam affects lakhs of pilgrims.
- Authorities halt traffic to manage congestion.
- Political leaders criticize government handling.
- Calls for toll exemption during Maha Kumbh.
- Multiple trouble spots contribute to delays.
Prayagraj, Feb 10 (NationPress) An overwhelming number of vehicles spanning up to 300 kilometres has transformed the roads leading to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj into a colossal parking lot, rendering lakhs of devotees stranded for hours and unable to reach the world's largest religious gathering.
This extraordinary gridlock compelled many to remain stuck in their vehicles, with some even hundreds of kilometres away from the fair site on Sunday and Monday.
A day prior, severe traffic en route to Prayagraj had already led the police to halt hundreds of vehicles in various regions of Madhya Pradesh to avert overcrowding.
The extreme bottleneck, which social media users referred to as the “world's largest traffic jam,” reportedly stretched between 200 to 300 kilometres, impacting pilgrims traveling through Madhya Pradesh.
This predicament prompted the state police to stop traffic across multiple districts, resulting in long delays for travelers on highways.
Criticizing the Uttar Pradesh government, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned the administration's management of the event, urging authorities to address the challenges faced by stranded devotees.
“The hungry, thirsty, distressed, and exhausted pilgrims stuck in traffic jams should be viewed with a humane perspective. Are common devotees not human beings?” Yadav questioned in a post on X.
The former Chief Minister also called for vehicles to be exempt from tolls across Uttar Pradesh during the Maha Kumbh to ease congestion and facilitate a smoother journey for devotees.
“On the occasion of Maha Kumbh, vehicles should not have to pay tolls in UP. This would reduce travel issues and also alleviate traffic jams. If films can be made tax-free, then why not exempt vehicles from tolls for this religious event?” he stated.
He further highlighted specific trouble spots, pointing out major jams at Nawabganj, 30 km before entering Prayagraj from the Lucknow side, a bottleneck at Gauhania, 16 km prior to Rewa Road, and a traffic snarl extending 12-15 km towards Varanasi.
He also noted reports of overcrowded trains, with passengers even squeezing into engines to reach their destination. “Normal life has become challenging,” he added.
In response, authorities in Madhya Pradesh halted vehicular movement in several districts. In Katni, police announced via loudspeakers that traffic would be suspended until Monday. In Maihar, officers suggested vehicles turn back toward Katni and Jabalpur to seek temporary refuge.
Multiple videos circulating on social media depicted the severity of the congestion, with endless lines of cars and trucks blocking roads across the Katni, Jabalpur, Maihar, and Rewa districts. Eyewitnesses reported that the traffic jam spanned nearly 250 kilometres from Katni to the MP-UP border at Chakghat in Rewa district.
As the situation developed, Madhya Pradesh BJP president V.D. Sharma encouraged party workers to assist stranded pilgrims in their respective areas. “All workers are requested to help the devotees heading to Maha Kumbh in every possible way. Organize food and shelter if necessary. Ensure that no devotee faces inconvenience. Let us play our part in this Maha Yagya,” he posted on X.
Frustrated devotees have expressed their dissatisfaction regarding the mismanagement of the traffic situation. Pilgrims from Faridabad reported that what should have been a routine journey took them more than 24 hours to reach Prayagraj. A family from Jaipur shared their discontent, stating they were stuck for hours just to cover a mere four-kilometre stretch.
With the Maha Kumbh continuing until February 26, authorities are under increasing pressure to resolve the traffic chaos and ensure better movement for the remaining weeks of the grand religious gathering.
