Devotees traveling to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh are facing extreme delays as traffic jams stretch for hundreds of kilometers. Reports indicate that vehicles are stuck for up to 48 hours, with long queues forming on roads from Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur. In some areas, the jam extends for nearly 300 km, leaving thousands stranded on highways.
Despite expectations of reduced crowds after Basant Panchami’s Amrit Snan, the number of pilgrims continues to rise. Many travelers are using the same navigation routes, leading to bottlenecks and slow movement. Some motorists, however, have reported reaching their destinations smoothly by taking alternative routes.
To manage the situation, authorities in neighboring Madhya Pradesh have temporarily restricted traffic heading toward Prayagraj. Police officials say the congestion, worsened by the weekend rush, is expected to ease within a few days. Many vehicles are only being allowed entry after coordination with the Prayagraj administration.
Reports suggest that some travelers have taken nearly 12 hours to cover just 50 km. Within the city, congestion is severe, with jams extending up to seven kilometers near the Maha Kumbh Mela site. In response to the heavy crowd, authorities have also shut down the Prayagraj Sangam railway station to prevent further disruptions.
Officials estimate that over 46 lakh devotees have taken a holy dip today alone, while approximately 44 crore pilgrims have visited the Maha Kumbh since its commencement last month. However, the overwhelming traffic has caused difficulties, with critics blaming the government for mismanagement. The situation has also reportedly led to shortages of essential supplies within Prayagraj.
As millions continue to arrive for the religious event, managing the massive influx of visitors remains a challenge for authorities. Pilgrims are advised to plan their routes carefully and explore alternative travel options to avoid getting stuck in the gridlock.
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