World’s Biggest Traffic Jam: 300-km Long Gridlock to Maha Kumbh
The world’s biggest traffic jam has left lakhs of devotees stranded on their way to the Maha Kumbh Mela. As pilgrims attempted to reach Prayagraj, they found themselves stuck in an unprecedented 300-kilometre-long traffic jam. Vehicles remained motionless for hours, turning highways into endless parking lots.
This massive congestion, dubbed the “world’s biggest traffic jam,” affected key routes leading to Maha Kumbh. Pilgrims traveling via Madhya Pradesh faced the worst delays, as vehicles were halted for up to 48 hours. Madhya Pradesh Police advised travelers to stop their journeys temporarily to avoid worsening the situation.
Traffic Chaos in Madhya Pradesh
Eyewitnesses reported severe congestion across Katni, Jabalpur, Maihar, and Rewa districts. In some areas, commuters took up to 12 hours to cover a mere 50 kilometers. Rewa district officials confirmed that the influx of pilgrims showed no signs of slowing, putting immense pressure on the Rewa-Prayagraj highway.
Local authorities struggled to manage the situation. Police in Katni used loudspeakers to inform travelers about suspended traffic movement, urging them to return to nearby towns like Jabalpur. Some stranded commuters shared their frustration on social media, calling for urgent action to ease the congestion.
Opposition Criticizes UP Government
The Uttar Pradesh government has come under fire for its handling of the crisis. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Yogi Adityanath-led administration, urging them to adopt a more humane approach toward stranded devotees. He also proposed toll-free access to reduce delays and ease traffic flow.
Meanwhile, in Prayagraj, the situation remained dire. Major roads leading to the sacred Triveni Sangam were clogged with traffic, while police set up barricades to manage crowds. Adding to the chaos, the Prayagraj Sangam railway station was shut down until February 14 due to extreme overcrowding.
Maha Kumbh 2025 Sees Unprecedented Crowds
Despite the logistical nightmares, pilgrims continued their journey toward Maha Kumbh. On Sunday alone, approximately 8.429 million devotees took a holy dip at the festival. So far, over 420 million pilgrims have participated in this year’s Maha Kumbh, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in history.
With the world’s biggest traffic jam still causing distress, authorities are under pressure to implement effective solutions. Travelers hope for quick interventions to ensure smoother journeys to one of the most sacred events in Hinduism.
