Authorities in Madhya Pradesh are urging pilgrims to avoid travelling towards Prayagraj for a couple of days, since, there is pressure on traffic in areas of the State adjoining Prayagraj in places surrounding Rewa district, as people have travelled from other states. Frequent announcements are being made by police personnel in these districts. One Jagdish Tripathi, who was on his way to Kumbh said that they had to wait for 8 hours to cross the MP border. In view of long lasting queue near Uttar Pradesh border, authorities in Madhya Pradesh are issuing alerts to devotees to return to their hometowns. Several videos have surfaced on social media showing massive traffic jams across several districts, including the inter-state border in Rewa district. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, who has recently returned from the holy place, urged devotees not to move towards Prayagraj for the next couple of days. Over the last few days, heavy traffic jams were witnessed across the districts adjoining UP as large number of vehicles headed towards Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh.

 

Talking to the media, Yadav said, “There is pressure on traffic in areas of the State adjoining Prayagraj, especially in Rewanchal (places surrounding Rewa district), as people have travelled from other states also. I am requesting all not to move ahead on this road for the next couple of days.” He said that there are challenges in arrangements of the Maha Kumbh due to overcrowding, and the State Government was in touch with the Prayagraj administration. The Chief Minister said, “We are fortunate to receive so many pilgrims travelling to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, but at the same time, we are concerned about arrangements for their safety and well-being.” He said that the State Government has ensured food, water and all other essential arrangements for pilgrims travelling on all these routes, and social organisations are also engaged in this work. “I humbly request everyone. If the road is clear, then only proceed. If there is difficulty on the way, then stop at a suitable place and wait.”

 

On the other side, Railways authorities are making claim that several special trains are running towards Prayagraj and special arrangements including medical facilities and security are being made on this route. Trains are running with full capacity. Despite this several families are also opting to go via their private vehicles that has led to severe traffic chaos. Pilgrim surge at Maha Kumbh: Physical classes suspended in Prayagraj schools till February 12. Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until Mahashivratri on February 26. With an average of 1.44 crore people taking a dip at various ghats daily, authorities are managing an unprecedented surge of pilgrims in the holy city.