Devotees agitated due to frequent traffic jams at Maha Kumbha Mela

– By Pritam Nachankar, Special Representative, Sanatan Prabhat, Prayagraj.

A scene of a traffic jam at Kumbha Kshetra

Prayagraj – Traffic jams have become a persistent issue on several routes during the Kumbha Mela, causing significant inconvenience to devotees. The continuous congestion has left pilgrims struggling to navigate the area, leading to widespread frustration and discomfort.

1. Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, other ministers, dignitaries from various fields, and heads of various akhadas are regularly visiting the Kumbha Mela. While it is natural for such visits to take place during the Maha Kumbha Mela, the administrative officers and traffic Police have not implemented an effective traffic control system to match the expected influx of high-profile visitors.

2. Whenever a dignitary visits, the Police abruptly close roads, forcing hundreds of devotees and vehicles to change their route. Given the continuous heavy traffic on the roads of the Kumbha Mela, rerouting becomes increasingly challenging, causing significant disruptions and delays to pilgrims.

3. Numerous intersections are located throughout the Kumbha Mela area, and when traffic is halted at these intersections, vehicles from all four directions converge, creating bottlenecks. This results in severe traffic jams, with roads often becoming impassable for the public. Clearing a traffic jam at an intersection can take up to half an hour, and such gridlocks have become a recurring issue throughout the Kumbha Mela.

Effective measures required

The traffic system is under significant pressure due to the sheer number of devotees and vehicles passing through the roads during the Kumbha Mela. However, it is essential to implement effective measures to address this issue. Installing signboards at the starting points of routes designated for dignitaries and making timely announcements to inform citizens can help in managing traffic congestion. Additionally, considering the regular influx of hundreds of devotees, the Police and administration must proactively plan and implement measures to streamline traffic and minimize disruptions.

Similar condition of pontoon bridges

The pontoon bridges on the Ganga river in the Kumbha region serve as designated entry and exit points, with certain bridges reserved exclusively for dignitaries. However, the arrangements for these bridges frequently change without prior notice. Bridges that are open at one time may be closed at another, and no signboards or announcements are made to inform devotees in advance. As a result, pedestrians and drivers often only discover these changes upon reaching the bridge, where Police personnel deny them access. This lack of communication frequently leads to disputes between devotees and the Police. Even on days when there is no schedule of Amrit snan, thousands of devotees arrive daily at the Maha Kumbha Mela. When a route or bridge is suddenly closed, new visitors often struggle to locate alternative routes amidst the dense crowds, especially while carrying heavy bags and other belongings.