Mahakumbh 2025: Massive Crowd Overwhelms Prayagraj, Traffic and Railway Services Under Pressure

The Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj has drawn an unprecedented crowd, causing severe traffic congestion and overcrowding at railway stations. The massive influx of pilgrims has led the Uttar Pradesh government to take strict measures, including deploying ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash to Prayagraj to manage the worsening traffic conditions.

Traffic Jams and Overcrowding at Railway Stations

With thousands of devotees arriving for the sacred Mahakumbh bath, the city’s roads and highways have been choked with traffic. Pilgrims trying to reach the Sangam are stuck in kilometres-long traffic jams, forcing many to walk several kilometers to reach the holy site.

• Railway stations are witnessing extreme overcrowding, leaving no space to move.
• Daraganj (Sangam) station has been shut down due to uncontrollable crowds.
• Major highways leading to Prayagraj are witnessing severe congestion.

Government Takes Swift Action to Control Traffic

To manage the chaotic situation, the government has sent ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash to Prayagraj via a special aircraft. He has been given the responsibility of ensuring law and order and managing traffic flow in the Kumbh Mela area.

Prayagraj Traffic Updates:

• Traffic jam on highways leading to Prayagraj, particularly from Jabalpur.
• Vehicles heading toward the city have been stopped in Sihora due to congestion.
• Police officials stated, “We are releasing traffic in a controlled manner to avoid further congestion.”

Indian Railways Ramps Up Operations, Over 300 Special Trains Deployed

To accommodate the heavy rush of passengers, Indian Railways has introduced special measures. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared that 12.5 lakh devotees were facilitated, and a record-breaking 330 trains have been operated from Prayagraj Mahakumbh stations.

• 330 special trains have been operated from Prayagraj to manage the pilgrim rush.
• 130+ trains have been dispatched from the Mela area today alone.
• CCTV cameras and a special control center have been set up to monitor the situation.

Railway and Police on High Alert for Purnima Snan on February 12

With February 12 marking the sacred Purnima Snan, authorities are bracing for an even larger crowd. In response, Northern Railway has arranged more than 300 special trains from Prayagraj, ensuring all eight stations in the city are fully equipped to handle passengers.

Pilgrims Struggle with Overcrowding and Expensive Transport

Many devotees are resorting to rickshaws and carts to reach their vehicles, but overcharging by rickshaw pullers and cart operators has become a major issue.

Local Police Statement:

“The traffic situation in Prayagraj is critical, but we are gradually bringing it under control.”

Will the Situation Improve?

With the unprecedented number of visitors, the administration is making continuous efforts to manage security and transportation effectively. Authorities have urged pilgrims to follow official updates and avoid spreading rumors.