A colossal traffic jam, described by netizens as the “world’s biggest traffic jam,” has paralyzed roads leading to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, as lakhs of pilgrims flock to the event. The jam stretched up to 300 kilometers, halting traffic across Madhya Pradesh and causing vehicles to come to a standstill for several hours on Sunday.
The heavy congestion involved vehicles of pilgrims traveling via Madhya Pradesh, many of whom found themselves stuck in traffic long before reaching Prayagraj. The gridlock prompted police to stop traffic in several districts of Madhya Pradesh, including Katni, Jabalpur, Maihar, and Rewa, to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety. Reports indicate that vehicles were being held up for as long as 48 hours, with some travelers covering only 50 kilometers in 10-12 hours.
Police in Madhya Pradesh issued warnings and advised pilgrims to seek shelter, with announcements from Katni district indicating that traffic would remain halted until Monday. Maihar police directed vehicles to return to Katni and Jabalpur, as the roads to Prayagraj were impassable due to the monumental traffic jam.
Eyewitnesses reported a traffic backup stretching 250 kilometers from Katni to the MP-UP border at Chakghat in Rewa district. Many shared their frustration on social media, with one user describing being stuck in what seemed like “probably the biggest traffic jam in the world.” Other travelers noted the exasperating conditions, with one person stating that they had only moved five kilometers in five hours. Some pilgrims even had to cancel their flights due to the delays, incurring additional costs as they struggled to reach their destination.
Saket Prakash Pandey, In-charge Inspector General of Police for the Rewa zone, explained that the traffic jams were caused by the heavy Sunday rush. He expressed hope that the situation would ease in the coming days as the police coordinated with Prayagraj authorities to manage the flow of vehicles. However, the Rewa district administration revealed that the number of pilgrims heading to Prayagraj had not decreased, putting continuous pressure on the Rewa-Prayagraj route. To manage the situation, police have been stopping vehicles at key locations to prevent further congestion at the border.
Authorities have made efforts to provide relief to those stranded in the traffic, with arrangements for food, water, and shelter being set up for the pilgrims. Rewa district collector Pratibha Pal confirmed that they were coordinating with Prayagraj administration to manage the situation and ensure the safety and comfort of those stuck.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13 and will run until February 26, has already attracted over 40 crore devotees from across India and beyond. Pilgrims flock to the event for the sacred ‘Snan’ or holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
As the traffic situation continues to cause frustration for thousands of travelers, authorities are doing their best to alleviate the burden and ensure that the pilgrims can safely reach their destination for this significant religious gathering.
