(Image source from: Twitter.com/ZeeTeluguLive)
Thousands of pilgrims traveling to the Maha Kumbh are stuck on highways due to significant traffic congestion that extends for hundreds of kilometers on the routes leading to Prayagraj. Reports indicate that the line of stranded vehicles may reach up to 300 kilometers. To control the situation, police in various districts of neighboring Madhya Pradesh have halted vehicle travel on the route to Prayagraj. According to police statements, it has been deemed "impossible" to reach Prayagraj due to traffic congestion measuring 200 to 300 kilometers. A man caught in the gridlock reported that vehicles have been stuck for 48 hours, with travel covering only 50 kilometers taking nearly 10 to 12 hours. Traffic jams of up to 25 kilometers were noted on the paths from Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur heading to Prayagraj. Furthermore, inside the city hosting the grand Kumbh festival, traffic congestion of around seven kilometers was also observed.
To prevent any incidents, the authorities have decided to close the Prayagraj Sangam railway station. Kuldeep Tiwari, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager for Northern Railway in Lucknow, explained, "The station closure was necessary due to the passengers' difficulties in exiting the station because of the large crowd outside." Meanwhile, the North Central Railway has enforced a one-way traffic system at Prayagraj Junction until further notice. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Kuldeep Singh noted that the jam is primarily caused by an overwhelming number of vehicles attempting to reach the Mela location. "The sheer volume of vehicles is immense, as passengers are trying to get as close as they can to the Maha Kumbh Mela area, resulting in this lengthy traffic jam," he stated. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for the traffic issues in Prayagraj, claiming it has also resulted in a shortage of vital supplies within the city.
Officials estimate that more than 4.6 million devotees have taken a ceremonial dip at the holy Sangam today, with approximately 440 million pilgrims having participated since the start of the Maha Kumbh last month.
(Video Source: NewsX Live)
