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‘Request everyone to avoid going toward Prayagraj for next couple of days…’: MP CM’s caution as traffic jams grow longer

The chief minister also acknowledged the challenges posed by the overwhelming crowds.

maha kumbhThe Maha Kumbh, set to conclude on February 26 with Mahashivratri, has already witnessed an unprecedented turnout (Express Photo/Vishal Srivastav)

With thousands of devotees heading to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj stranded on various highways in Madhya Pradesh due to massive traffic jams, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav Monday asked pilgrims to put off their travel by a few days to ease congestion.

As a deluge of vehicles make their way to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh, heavy traffic jams spanning several kilometres have paralysed roads in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur, Seoni, Katni, Maihar, Satna, and Rewa districts.

The world’s largest spiritual gathering, which began on January 13, has drawn millions of devotees from across the country and beyond. The last day of the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela is February 26.

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“There is immense traffic pressure in areas near Prayagraj, particularly in Rewanchal (areas surrounding Rewa district), as pilgrims from other states travel through these routes. I request everyone to avoid going toward Prayagraj for the next couple of days,” Yadav said Monday.

To support the influx, the Madhya Pradesh government has set up arrangements along major travel routes, providing food, water, and other essential services in collaboration with social organizations.

The chief minister acknowledged the challenges posed by the overwhelming crowds, saying: “While we are fortunate to host so many pilgrims heading to Prayagraj for this sacred occasion, their safety and well-being remain our top priority”.

“I urge everyone to plan wisely,” Yadav added. “Check Google Maps for road conditions before proceeding. If you see traffic difficulties, stop at a safe place and wait.”

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Meanwhile, Rewa Commissioner B S Jamod said that the Prayagraj administration had decided to prevent vehicles headed towards Prayagraj from passing through Rewa Satna and Maihar districts.

“The Prayagraj administration has stopped letting the vehicles pass, because of which, we took this decision. While some of the tourists have left, there are many who are still there. Until the Uttar Pradesh government does not give us a signal, we cannot allow them to pass. We have made arrangements for the stay, food , water and medicines,” he said.

The Maha Kumbh, set to conclude on February 26 with Mahashivratri, has already witnessed an unprecedented turnout. Government data reveals that over 44 crore devotees have taken a ritual dip at the Triveni Sangam as of February 9. By 10 am on February 10 alone, over 63 lakh pilgrims had taken the holy dip.

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