Enormous 300-km Traffic Snarl Traps Thousands of Pilgrims Heading to Maha Kumbh

Prayagraj, Feb 10 (NationPress) An overwhelming line of vehicles extending up to 300 kilometres transformed the routes to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj into an immense parking zone, leaving lakhs of devotees stranded for hours, unable to reach the world's largest religious gathering.

This extraordinary congestion compelled many to remain trapped in their vehicles, with some even stuck hundreds of kilometres away from the fair site on Sunday and Monday.

On the previous day, heavy traffic flowing towards Prayagraj had already caused police to halt hundreds of vehicles in various parts of Madhya Pradesh to avert overcrowding.

The severe bottleneck, which social media users labeled the 'world's largest traffic jam', reportedly stretched across 200 to 300 kilometres, impacting pilgrims traveling through Madhya Pradesh.

The scenario led the state police to stop traffic in multiple districts, resulting in long delays for travelers on highways.

Taking a jab at the Uttar Pradesh government, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the administration's management of the event, urging officials to address the suffering of stranded devotees.

"The hungry, thirsty, distressed, and exhausted pilgrims trapped in these traffic jams deserve compassion. Are common devotees not human beings?" Yadav questioned in a post on X.

The former Chief Minister also demanded that vehicles be exempt from tolls across Uttar Pradesh during the Maha Kumbh to alleviate congestion and facilitate smoother travel for devotees.

"For the Maha Kumbh, vehicles should be toll-free in UP. This will mitigate travel issues and the traffic jam dilemma. If movies can be made tax-free, why not exempt vehicles from tolls for this religious occasion?" he stated.

He further pointed out specific trouble areas, highlighting significant jams at Nawabganj, 30 km prior to entering Prayagraj from the Lucknow side, a bottleneck at Gauhania, 16 km before Rewa Road, and a traffic jam extending 12-15 km towards Varanasi.

He also noted reports of overcrowding on trains, with passengers even cramming into engines to reach their destination. "Normal life has become challenging," he added.

Meanwhile, authorities in Madhya Pradesh reacted by halting vehicular traffic in multiple districts. In Katni, police announced via loudspeakers that traffic had been suspended until Monday. In Maihar, officials advised vehicles to retreat towards Katni and Jabalpur for temporary refuge.

Numerous videos shared on social media illustrated the extent of the congestion, with endless lines of cars and trucks obstructing roads across the Katni, Jabalpur, Maihar, and Rewa districts. Eyewitnesses reported that the traffic jam extended nearly 250 kilometres from Katni to the MP-UP border at Chakghat in Rewa district.

As the crisis unfolded, Madhya Pradesh BJP president V.D. Sharma called on party members to assist stranded pilgrims in their areas. "All workers are urged to support devotees heading to Maha Kumbh in every possible way. Provide food and shelter if necessary. Ensure no devotee faces inconvenience. Let's fulfill our role in this Maha Yagya," he posted on X.

Frustrated devotees have expressed their discontent over the poor management of the traffic situation. Pilgrims from Faridabad reported that what should have been a routine journey took them over 24 hours to reach Prayagraj. A family from Jaipur shared their disappointment, stating they were stuck for hours just to cover a mere four-kilometre stretch.

As the Maha Kumbh continues until February 26, authorities are under increasing pressure to resolve the traffic chaos and ensure smoother passage for the remaining weeks of this grand religious event.