Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The police of Katni, Maihar and Rewa district have stopped the traffic moving to Prayagraj Maha Kumbh mela because of massive traffic snarls extending up to 200-300 kilometres, said officials on Sunday. Hundreds of people from Bhopal too have gone to Prayagraj for a holy dip.
A day earlier, hundreds of vehicles heading to Prayagraj were stopped in different areas in state due to heavy traffic and to avoid overcrowding. On Sunday, police stopped vehicular traffic in different districts in MP, asking people to find a safe shelter.
Police vehicles in Katni district made announcement that traffic had been stopped till Monday. Maihar police are asking vehicles’drivers to return to Katni and Jabalpur and stay there. "It is impossible to move to Prayagraj today (Sunday) as there is a traffic jam up to 200-300 kilometres," police said.
Several videos on social media show massive queues of thousands of cars and trucks stranded on roads in Katni, Maihar and Rewa district in MP. Eyewitnesses claimed huge traffic jams across a 250-km stretch from Katni to MP-UP borders at Chakghat in Rewa district. Several people claimed they have been stuck on roads for several hours.
Incharge Inspector General of Police (Rewa zone) Saket Prakash Pandey said the Sunday rush led to traffic jams. He said the situation is likely to ease in a couple of days. Pandey said MP Police were allowing vehicles to move after coordinating with Prayagraj administration.
Eyewitnesses claimed vehicles are stuck in traffic jams for 48 hours. "It is taking almost 10-12 hours to cover 50-km distance," a commuter claimed. Rewa district collector Pratibha Pal said they were coordinating with the Prayagraj administration. She said vehicles had been held up because of heavy crowd on the highway. "Arrangements are being made for the safe stay, food, and water for people (stuck in traffic jams)," she added.
