An enormous number of pilgrims are arriving in Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, which is causing heavy traffic and packed trains. Every kind of transportation, including general class compartments and air-conditioned carriages, is crowded, with many even climbing onto train engines to get to Prayagraj. ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash has been called in to oversee the traffic situation in Prayagraj and the neighbouring districts since it is becoming worse.
Huge Crowds on Trains and Roads
Both locals and visitors find it challenging to navigate the congested pilgrimage routes leading to Prayagraj. In addition to Uttar Pradesh, states like Madhya Pradesh, where people are having difficulty finding transportation, are also contributing to the massive surge. Many people cannot afford the exorbitant airfares, and there are severe traffic jams on the roadways.
🔹 Traffic on seven major entry points, including the Varanasi, Mirzapur, Lucknow, and Rewa roads, was almost 20 km long on Sunday.
🔹 People were forced to hold to engines and travel in danger on trains going to Prayagraj.
🔹 To manage the crisis, special flights have been scheduled to carry officials, including ADG Amitabh Yash.
Akhilesh Yadav Questions Administration Over Kumbh Chaos
Political discussions have been sparked by Maha Kumbh’s enormous attendance. While Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has promised that Prayagraj Junction remains operating and encouraged people to disregard rumours, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has questioned how the government is handling the situation. According to official figures, 1.5 crore people visit the Maha Kumbh every day. Due to traffic, the trip from Delhi to Prayagraj now takes 26 hours.
Pilgrims Taking Extreme Measures to Reach the Sangam
Due to inadequate transportation, every devotee is compelled to take drastic steps in order to get to the Sangam for the holy dip:
People are packing 20 people into a vehicle built for 10 by employing “pickup trucks” (also called “Chhota Haathi”), which are used for transporting products.
Many people risk their lives by clinging to cars in order to get to the holy location. Devotees are forced to go in danger due to exorbitant transportation costs.
Prior to Magh Purnima (12 February), the Maha Kumbh rush intensifies.
An even greater increase in devotees is anticipated at Prayagraj as the auspicious Magh Purnima draws near. Devotees from all over India are flocking to the Triveni Sangam for the sacred dip, which is causing:
✅ Trains that are packed with people trying to get on board;
✅ Long lines of cars on all major highways leading to Prayagraj;
✅ Severe traffic that makes it hard for residents to go about their everyday lives.
