70-km traffic jam at MP-UP border as Kumbh influx surges

Bhopal: A traffic jam stretching over 70 km was reported on the Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh border on Sunday, as thousands of pilgrims made their way to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh.
The congestion extended for around 40-50 km on the Uttar Pradesh side and 20-25 km the Madhya Pradesh side at Chakghat in Rewa district, despite traffic being halted at four locations in the district. Neighbouring districts such as Katni, Satna, and Seoni also saw long tailbacks.
"There is a long traffic bottleneck on both sides of the border. Police force is deployed, additional force from PHQ has also been received, and some more personnel are likely to arrive. Arrangements for water, food, shelter, etc, are being made. There are a few halting points too where traffic has been stopped," Additional SP Rewa (rural) Vivek Lal told TOI.
Overcrowding prevailed at Satna railway station due to pilgrims. Officials say in past 24 hours, more than 20,000 passengers for Prayagraj have boarded trains from here. "We have got additional personnel from SAF, besides there are additional RPF personnel and 10 additional TCs have been deployed by railways from nearby railway stations", Satna GRP police outpost in charge, Rajesh Raj, told TOI. "An additional special train for Prayagraj was sent from Satna on Saturday and on Sunday, too," he added.
Sources attribute the congestion to the 'Magh Poornima', an auspicious day for taking a holy dip at the Kumbh, that falls on Feb 12.
Local representatives, officials, and people are also helping pilgrims to ensure that they do not face any inconvenience. The BJP MLA from Mangawan, Narendra Prajapati, told TOI: "There is a traffic jam, but traffic is moving too, though at a slower pace. It is every half an hour that some vehicles are being released as per the updates from the UP side.
"I visited Chakghat too, along with officials, and took stock of the situation. In the meantime, we have made arrangements for pilgrims at a college in Gangev where they are provided space for rest, food, and water. Water tankers and food are also made available at almost all the places."