The Prayagraj Sangam railway station has been temporarily shut down as authorities struggle to control the overwhelming rush of pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh. The move aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure public safety amid an unprecedented surge in visitors.
Officials stated that train services have been rerouted to nearby stations, and special arrangements are in place for pilgrims’ safe transportation. The shutdown is part of crowd management efforts, as authorities brace for even larger gatherings in the coming days.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Madhya Pradesh, traffic congestion has forced authorities to halt hundreds of vehicles heading towards Prayagraj. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rewa Range, Saket Prakash Pandey, said, “We are allowing vehicles to pass one by one after getting clearance from Prayagraj administration.”
Pilgrims have reported massive traffic jams en route to the Mela, with some stranded for hours. A Nagpur resident recounted being stuck in Maihar for over two hours, while another appreciated the food arrangements for stranded travellers, urging cooperation with government measures.
With the Maha Kumbh Mela drawing millions of devotees, authorities continue to implement stringent measures to prevent stampedes, manage infrastructure pressure, and ensure a safe pilgrimage experience.
