Massive Traffic Congestion in Prayagraj Amid Ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025
Traffic Woes in Key Areas Major traffic snarls were reported from Balsan, Bairhana, Sobtiabagh, and Darbhanga areas, where a usual 15-minute journey stretched to nearly three hours for residents and visitors alike.
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – February 16, 2025:
The city of Prayagraj and its neighboring regions witnessed severe traffic congestion over the weekend as thousands of vehicles made their way to the city for the ongoing Maha Kumbh, which has drawn more than 50 crore devotees since its commencement last month.
Traffic Woes in Key Areas Major traffic snarls were reported from Balsan, Bairhana, Sobtiabagh, and Darbhanga areas, where a usual 15-minute journey stretched to nearly three hours for residents and visitors alike. In Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa, bordering Prayagraj, the influx of Maha Kumbh-bound vehicles surged significantly in the past 24 hours, further compounding the traffic situation.
Despite the completion of three key ‘Amrit Snans’ (holy dips) on Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami, the roads remain heavily congested.
The accident that happened at New Delhi Railway Station is very painful. But is this just an accident or a conspiracy like Maha Kumbh to defame Sanatan and Kumbh? The government should immediately investigate this #NewDelhi #STAMPEDE #NewDelhiRailwaystation pic.twitter.com/6gX0GTG2qF
— Zeennat Rana (@izeennatrana) February 15, 2025
Railway Stations on High Alert Post-Stampede The traffic chaos comes a day after a tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station claimed 18 lives. The incident, triggered by a sudden rush of passengers eager to board trains for the Maha Kumbh, has prompted railway stations across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to be put on high alert.
Political Reactions and Suggestions Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has urged the Uttar Pradesh government to consider extending the Maha Kumbh’s duration, citing the overwhelming influx of devotees still en route. Yadav highlighted that previous Maha Kumbh and Kumbh Mela events spanned 75 days, whereas the current event has a shorter schedule.
Maha Kumbh Footfall Crosses 50 Crore Mark The Maha Kumbh, dubbed the largest religious gathering globally, commenced on January 13 and will conclude on February 26. Over 50 crore devotees have taken a holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers.
In a statement, the Uttar Pradesh government emphasized the event’s scale, noting that the number of devotees surpasses the population of countries like the United States, Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the Maha Kumbh 2025 as a living symbol of India’s spirituality, unity, equality, and harmony.
The initial government estimate projected a footfall of 40 to 45 crore, but the actual turnout has exceeded expectations, further intensifying logistical challenges.
