Prayagraj, February 10:
The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is witnessing an overwhelming influx of devotees, leading to severe traffic congestion across major routes. With thousands arriving for a holy dip at the Sangam, several key highways and city roads have come to a standstill. Pilgrims are facing long delays, with many forced to walk several kilometers due to blocked roads.
Major Routes Affected by Traffic Jams
Since early morning, congestion has been reported on multiple routes leading to Prayagraj. Key roads, including Varanasi-Prayagraj Road, GT Road (Sulem Sarai), Kanpur-Prayagraj Highway, and Lucknow-Prayagraj Highway, are experiencing gridlocks stretching several kilometers. Reports indicate that some vehicles are taking over 12 hours to reach their destinations, significantly longer than usual travel times.
Inside Prayagraj, the situation remains critical, with major intersections and arterial roads clogged. The entry points to the city, including Fafamau, Jhunsi, and Naini, are witnessing heavy traffic. The influx of vehicles from neighboring states such as Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat has further aggravated the situation.
Devotees Forced to Walk Long Distances
With vehicle movement severely restricted, many pilgrims have resorted to walking long distances to reach the Kumbh Mela grounds. Travelers recount spending hours covering short distances, as gridlocks extend up to 25 kilometers on some highways.
A devotee from Faizabad shared his ordeal, stating that a journey that typically takes five hours took 17 hours due to congestion. Another pilgrim from Noida reported that he left at 6 AM on Saturday but only reached Prayagraj 24 hours later. Similar experiences have been shared by travelers from Kanpur, Rewa, and Banda, who faced extreme delays on their routes.
Prayagraj Sangam Railway Station Temporarily Closed
To manage the growing crowds, authorities have temporarily shut down the Prayagraj Sangam railway station due to concerns over overcrowding. The Prayagraj Junction has been placed under a single-direction traffic system to control passenger flow. Officials fear that excessive footfall at railway stations could lead to potential stampede situations.
A railway official stated, “Due to the swelling crowd outside Prayagraj Sangam station, operations have been halted to prevent disorder.” Passengers have been advised to use alternative stations such as Naini or Prayagraj Junction for their travel.
Vehicles Overheating and Fire Incidents Reported
The prolonged standstill on roads has led to several vehicles overheating, with at least three cars catching fire within 12 hours on the Lucknow-Prayagraj route. Firefighters responded swiftly, rescuing passengers trapped inside. However, two individuals sustained burn injuries in one of the incidents.
Traffic Advisory and Alternative Routes Suggested
Given the worsening traffic conditions, authorities have advised pilgrims to consider alternative routes to avoid severe delays:
- Travelers from Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi should use Mirzapur or Banda routes for smoother entry into Prayagraj.
- Pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra are recommended to reroute via Karachana to bypass major congestion points.
- Devotees arriving by train should opt for Prayagraj Junction or Naini station instead of the Prayagraj Sangam station, which remains temporarily closed.
- Private vehicles should be parked outside city limits, with pilgrims using local transport or walking to reach the Mela site.
Public Outcry Over Traffic Mismanagement
The severe congestion has sparked criticism, with opposition leaders accusing the administration of poor traffic planning. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav blamed the Uttar Pradesh government for failing to implement effective crowd control measures, citing disruptions in essential services due to the ongoing traffic crisis.
Local residents have also raised concerns as blocked roads have impacted emergency services, with ambulances struggling to reach hospitals in a timely manner. Markets and daily commuting have been significantly affected, adding to the frustration of both locals and visitors.
Authorities Assure Better Traffic Control Measures
Despite the challenges, officials maintain that over 46 lakh devotees successfully performed the holy dip at the Sangam today, adding to the overall count of 44 crore pilgrims since the Maha Kumbh began.
Authorities have assured that enhanced traffic control measures are being implemented, including real-time monitoring, additional police deployment, and improved public transport coordination.
With millions expected to visit Prayagraj in the coming weeks, travelers are advised to stay updated on traffic conditions, follow designated routes, and plan their journeys accordingly.
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