Ahead of Magh Purnima, set for February 12, a large number of devotees flooded towards Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh. This influx of people has caused traffic disruptions, as lines of vehicles has blocked roads and highways.
The traffic is moving at a snail’s pace.
Some frustrated commuters shared their struggles, while those attempting to bypass the jam via villages or the old Raebareli-Prayagraj road are being halted at Bela Kachhar parking, about 18 kilometres away. From there, a large number of people are being forced to continue their journey on foot.
However, bike services in Prayagraj are currently in high demand. Local youths are helping people reach their destinations by bike. While some offer rides for free, others are charging fares ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 500. Many travellers are willing to pay any amount to avoid walking long distances.
Reacting to this traffic jam, Samajwadi Party president took to X, and wrote in Hindi, “Emergency arrangements should be made immediately for the millions of devotees stranded in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. The hungry, thirsty, distressed and tired pilgrims stuck in traffic jams from all sides should be looked at with a humane perspective. Are common devotees not human beings? News of jam at Nawabganj 30 kms in advance on the Lucknow side, jam at Gauhania 16 kms in advance on the Rewa road side, jam of 12 to 15 kms from Varanasi side and crowd entering even the engine of the train is being published everywhere. The normal life of the people has become difficult.
The UP government has failed. It is visible only in false advertisements full of arrogance but is actually absent on the ground.”
But the traffic is not the only issue, railways are facing a difficult situation as well, in Varanasi Cantt, many people climbed on the train’s engine after there was no more room left in the compartments. Finally, the Railway Police Force had to intervene and remove the passengers.
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