Due to the overwhelming surge of pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, local authorities have temporarily shut down Sangam Station to manage the crowd. This decision was made to ensure the safety of devotees and effectively handle the influx of people. As the number of pilgrims heading to the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers increased, the situation reached a critical point.
The Influx Of Pilgrims To Increase
The rush is expected to intensify as Maghi Purnima falls on February 12, followed by Maha Shivaratri on February 26, 2025. The authorities believe that temporarily closing Prayagraj Sangam Station will help alleviate pressure on the station and surrounding areas. Train services have been rerouted to nearby stations, and additional arrangements are being made for the safe transportation of pilgrims and their vehicles. Due to the large number of devotees, long traffic jams are being reported on the roads leading to Prayagraj.
Akhilesh Yadav Shared Video
On Sunday, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called for the waiver of toll fees for vehicles entering Uttar Pradesh during the Maha Kumbh to ease travel disruptions and reduce traffic congestion. Taking to X, Yadav shared a video highlighting the traffic situation and said, “During the Maha Kumbh, vehicles should be toll-free in UP. This will help reduce travel hindrances and ease the traffic jams. If films can be exempt from entertainment tax, then why not make vehicles toll-free during the grand festival of Maha Kumbh?”
According to PTI, in neighboring Madhya Pradesh, hundreds of vehicles heading to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj have been halted due to heavy traffic and to prevent overcrowding. In some areas, local traffic police even advised travelers to turn back. Since Friday night, north-bound vehicles, mostly carrying devotees, are allowed to proceed only after obtaining permission from Uttar Pradesh authorities.
PTI quoted Rewa Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Saket Prakash Pandey, stating: “A large number of vehicles, primarily from Maharashtra and southern states, have been stranded in Katni, Maihar, and Rewa districts since morning. Vehicles are being stopped at Chakghat.”
It was reported that there was a surge in the number of vehicles heading for Prayagraj in the last two days. Police were trying to streamline the traffic and allowing them to pass one by one after getting a green-light from the Prayagraj administration. People were also seen driving on the wrong side for avoiding traffic snarls on the way to Prayagraj, the DIG said.
The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, 2025. The festival is being held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
