Severe Traffic Snarls in Prayagraj as Devotees Struggle
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Synopsis
Prayagraj is enduring severe traffic congestion as millions of devotees arrive for the Maha Kumbh Mela. Major highways are jammed, causing significant delays and impacting local residents. Authorities are working to manage the situation, issuing traffic advisories for upcoming religious gatherings.
Key Takeaways
- Unprecedented traffic congestion impacting devotees
- Travel delays of nearly 12 hours reported
- Local residents facing supply shortages
- Authorities issuing traffic advisories
- Upcoming religious gatherings likely to exacerbate the situation
New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) The routes leading to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj are experiencing unprecedented traffic congestion as millions of devotees flock to take a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam.
Even after the completion of three vital Amrit Snans on the auspicious dates of Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami, the surge of pilgrims shows no signs of decreasing, resulting in significant travel delays.
Major highways that connect Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Kashi are completely overcrowded, with vehicles immobilized for hours.
A devotee journeying from Ayodhya recounted his experience, stating, "Since last night, we have only managed to travel 40 kilometres. We have been caught in traffic since 7 PM and even had to sleep in our vehicle. The public's impatience is compounding the situation."
Another pilgrim noted, "There is a traffic jam, and the public is encountering difficulties. Usually, this trip takes about four hours, but it now stretches to nearly 12 hours."
This situation has greatly affected local residents, who are facing challenges with their daily commutes and a lack of essential supplies. A Prayagraj local voiced his concerns, stating, "Commuting has become a nightmare. Even basic necessities like rations and milk are scarce."
Meanwhile, pilgrims from neighboring states, including Bihar, are also enduring extreme hardships. The congestion has now spread to the Rohtas-National Highway in Sasaram, Bihar, where a 10-kilometre-long traffic jam has forced travelers to remain on the roadside, both day and night.
Authorities are striving to manage the increasing crowd, but the overwhelming number of devotees continues to challenge the city's infrastructure. With more religious events anticipated, traffic congestion is likely to remain a significant concern in the upcoming weeks.
Travelers are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly and stay informed through traffic advisories.
Earlier today, the Prayagraj administration released a detailed traffic advisory in anticipation of the Magh Purnima Snan on February 12. This advisory aims to facilitate smooth movement and safety for devotees, addressing the critical traffic challenges faced by attendees.
