Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India – The Mahakumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, has been marred by massive traffic jams, leaving devotees stranded for hours on end. The traffic snarls, reportedly stretching up to 300 kilometers, have been described as the “world’s biggest traffic jam” by some attendees.
The Mahakumbh Mela, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, attracts millions of pilgrims who come to take a holy dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. This year’s event, which began in January, has seen an unprecedented influx of devotees, leading to chaos on the roads.
“I have been stuck in traffic for over 11 hours,” said a devotee who was traveling from Varanasi to Prayagraj. “I left home early in the morning, but I am still miles away from the Sangam. I have not eaten or drunk anything since morning, and I am feeling very tired and frustrated.”
Many other devotees have shared similar stories of being stuck in traffic for hours, with some even running out of fuel and food. The situation has been particularly difficult for elderly pilgrims and those traveling with young children.
The traffic jams have also caused problems for local residents, who have been unable to go to work or school. Businesses have also been affected, as they have been unable to receive deliveries of goods.
The authorities have blamed the traffic jams on the unexpectedly high number of devotees attending the Mahakumbh Mela. They have also cited the narrow roads and limited parking space in Prayagraj as contributing factors.
“We were expecting a large number of devotees, but the turnout has been much higher than we anticipated,” said a senior police officer. “We are doing our best to manage the traffic, but it is a very difficult task.”
The authorities have deployed additional police personnel to manage the traffic and have also set up temporary parking lots to accommodate the large number of vehicles. However, these measures have had limited success in easing the congestion.
The traffic jams have also raised concerns about the safety of pilgrims. With so many people stranded on the roads, there is a risk of accidents and stampedes. The authorities have urged devotees to be patient and to cooperate with the police.
The Mahakumbh Mela is scheduled to continue until March, and it is unclear when the traffic situation will improve. In the meantime, devotees are being advised to avoid traveling to Prayagraj by road if possible.
The traffic jams at the Mahakumbh Mela have highlighted the challenges of managing large religious gatherings. The authorities need to take steps to improve the infrastructure and transportation system in Prayagraj to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Here are some additional details about the traffic jams:
- The traffic jams have been reported on all major roads leading to Prayagraj, including the National Highway 2 and the Allahabad-Varanasi road.
- The traffic jams are particularly bad on weekends and on auspicious days when large numbers of devotees are expected to visit the Sangam.
- The traffic jams have also affected the movement of emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire trucks.
- The authorities have set up helpline numbers for devotees who are stranded in traffic.
Here are some tips for devotees who are planning to attend the Mahakumbh Mela:
- Avoid traveling to Prayagraj by road if possible. Consider taking a train or a bus instead.
- If you must travel by road, leave early in the morning and be prepared for long delays.
- Carry enough food and water with you, as well as any necessary medications.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Be patient and cooperate with the police.
- Stay safe and be aware of your surroundings.
The traffic jams at the Mahakumbh Mela are a major inconvenience for devotees, but they are also a reminder of the importance of faith and devotion. Despite the hardships they face, millions of pilgrims continue to flock to Prayagraj to take a holy dip in the Sangam. Their faith and resilience are an inspiration to us all.
