MP: Maha Kumbh triggers 40-km traffic rush in MP-UP border on weekend
According to official estimates, around 1,000 were moving towards Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh every hour at Chakghat border and nearly 800 returning from there in the same period
Bhopal: The weekend pilgrimage to Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has triggered a 40 km-long traffic rush in Madhya Pradesh- Uttar Pradesh border, officials said on Sunday.
The unusual traffic rush from Chakghat, the border point in Madhya Pradesh’ Rewa district, to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh since Saturday has put the local administration on its toes to regulate the traffic and make arrangements for the Maha Kumbh-bound pilgrims in the 45 km-route, officials said.
“The number of Prayagraj-bound vehicles on National Highway no. 30 has increased in the last 24 hours. This apart, the number of vehicles returning from Prayagraj has also increased on the road”, in-charge inspector general, Rewa range, Saket Prakash Pandey said.
According to official estimates, around 1,000 were moving towards Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh every hour at Chakghat border and nearly 800 returning from there in the same period.
The first parking for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has been set up just six kms from the Chakghat border.
“Elaborate arrangements have been made for the people at the ‘holding areas’ and help centres”, officials said.
“As of now, there is no plan to stop vehicles at Bela, Gangev and Chakghat holding points but police and administration are in alert mode”, the police officer said.
According to the local sub-divisional officer of police (SDOP) Udit Mishra, arrangements have been made for the pilgrims at the holding points to provide them basic amenities.
Some holding areas have also been made in Maihar, Katni and Satna districts in Madhya Pradesh.
Traffic has increased on the border as the fair area and Prayagraj city have been declared a ‘no vehicle zone’, officials said.
Earlier this month, traffic jams were witnessed on the 250 km-stretch from Katni in Madhya Pradesh to Prayagraj.
