World’s Worst Gridlock: 300-Km jam strands Maha Kumbh pilgrims for hours
A massive 300-km traffic jam blocked roads leading to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, leaving lakhs of pilgrims stranded for hours. Vehicles remained stuck across Madhya Pradesh as police halted traffic in multiple districts to control congestion.
Police Stop Vehicles to Ease Gridlock
On Sunday, police in Katni, Maihar, and Jabalpur stopped vehicles heading toward Prayagraj, advising travelers to find shelter. Announcements warned that moving forward was impossible due to the unprecedented jam. Videos on social media showed endless lines of cars and trucks stretching for kilometers.
Eyewitnesses reported standstill traffic across a 250-km stretch from Katni to the MP-UP border at Chakghat. Many took to social media to vent their frustration. One user posted, “Stuck in a 15-km jam before Jabalpur… still 400 km to Prayagraj. Check traffic updates before traveling!” Another wrote, “Moved 5 km in 5 hours. Had to cancel my flight and book another at double the price.”
Officials Struggle to Manage Traffic Flow
Inspector General of Police (Rewa Zone) Saket Prakash Pandey acknowledged the chaos and predicted relief in a few days. MP Police coordinated with Prayagraj officials to regulate movement, but pilgrims remained stuck for nearly 48 hours. Travelers reported taking 10-12 hours to cover just 50 km.
As congestion worsened at Chakghat, officials blocked further entry to prevent overcrowding at the MP-UP border. The Rewa district administration noted a steady influx of vehicles, adding pressure to highways. Authorities provided food, water, and shelter for stranded pilgrims.
Political and Social Support for Pilgrims
MP BJP President VD Sharma urged party workers to assist pilgrims by offering food and shelter. “Let’s ensure devotees face no hardships during this sacred journey,” he tweeted.
The Maha Kumbh fair, which began on January 13 and will end on February 26, has already drawn over 40 crore visitors for the holy dip at the Sangam. With the crowd continuing to swell, authorities brace for further challenges in traffic management.
