World’s Biggest Traffic Jam: Thousands Stranded for Hours as 300-Km Traffic Jam Chokes Roads to Maha Kumbh
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – The roads leading to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj turned into a sea of stranded vehicles over the weekend, with a massive traffic jam stretching up to 300 kilometers. Thousands of devotees, eager to participate in the world’s largest religious gathering, found themselves stuck on highways for several hours, unable to move forward.
Madhya Pradesh Police Halt Traffic
The severe congestion forced the Madhya Pradesh police to stop traffic movement in multiple districts. On Sunday, police in Katni, Maihar, and Rewa announced that no vehicles would be allowed towards Prayagraj until further notice. In some cases, travelers were advised to return to cities like Katni and Jabalpur and find temporary shelter.
“It is impossible to move towards Prayagraj today as there is a traffic jam of 200-300 kilometers,” a police official stated.
महाकुंभ में बच्चे के साथ आने से बचे, भीड़,और जाम से आप त्रस्त हो जाएंगे ।4 KM पार करने में 4घंटे लग रहे है । pic.twitter.com/IJh2LdRP2z
— Ajit patel (@patelajit) February 9, 2025
Social Media Erupts Over the Gridlock
Frustrated travelers took to social media, calling it the “world’s biggest traffic jam.” Several videos showed thousands of cars and trucks lined up across Katni, Jabalpur, Maihar, and Rewa districts.
One user posted on X, “Traffic jam of 15 km before Jabalpur… still 400 km to Prayagraj. Please check traffic updates before heading to Maha Kumbh!” Another wrote, “Moved 5 km in 5 hours. By now, I should have been in Lucknow. Terrible traffic management. Had to cancel my flight and rebook at double the cost.”
Eyewitnesses claimed that it took 10-12 hours to cover just 50 kilometers, with some vehicles reportedly stuck for over 48 hours.
Finally we are moving.
— Bhaskar Sarma🗿 (@bhas) February 8, 2025
The main road is still impossibly gridlocked but this detour will help.
This road is probably open because it seems to be leading out of Prayagraj and away from the Kumbh site pic.twitter.com/0Jl56BfaQ0
Authorities Struggle to Manage the Crowds
According to Saket Prakash Pandey, Inspector General of Police (Rewa Zone), the rush on Sunday caused the heavy traffic jams. He assured that the situation should improve in the next couple of days as authorities coordinate with the Prayagraj administration.
However, the Rewa district administration confirmed that the number of devotees heading to Prayagraj is not decreasing, creating continuous pressure on the Rewa-Prayagraj route. As a result, vehicles were being stopped at Chakghat and other key locations.
Traffic Jam of 15 KM before Jabalpur …still 400 KM to prayagraj. Please read traffic situation before coming to Mahakumbh! #MahaKumbh2025 #mahakumbh #MahaKumbhMela2025 @myogiadityanath @yadavakhilesh #kumbhamela #kumbh pic.twitter.com/BKmJ3HNIx7
— Nitun Kumar (@dash_nitun) February 9, 2025
Efforts to Assist Stranded Devotees
Authorities have arranged for food, water, and shelter for stranded pilgrims. Rewa District Collector Pratibha Pal assured that police and volunteers are working to manage the situation, and efforts are being made to ease congestion.
Meanwhile, MP BJP President VD Sharma urged party workers to help pilgrims passing through their areas, requesting them to provide food, water, and accommodation if needed.
Maha Kumbh 2025 Draws Millions
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which started on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, has already attracted over 40 crore visitors from across India and abroad. The fair is known for the sacred ‘Snan’ (holy dip) at the Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet.
As the massive influx of devotees continues, authorities are working round the clock to clear the gridlock and ensure smooth movement for those heading to this spiritual gathering.
