February 10, 2025: A massive traffic jam, spanning nearly 300 kilometers, brought roads leading to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj to a standstill on Sunday. Lakhs of pilgrims found themselves trapped in their vehicles, unable to move for hours, as congestion worsened across highways in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Dubbed the “world’s biggest traffic jam” by social media users, the unprecedented gridlock forced authorities in Madhya Pradesh to halt traffic across multiple districts, including Katni, Jabalpur, Maihar, and Rewa. Police in these areas advised stranded travelers to find safe shelter until the situation improved. In Katni district, police patrols announced that traffic movement toward Prayagraj was halted until Monday, while in Maihar, officers directed vehicles to return toward Katni and Jabalpur to prevent overcrowding.

According to reports, the traffic crisis began on Saturday when thousands of vehicles, including buses, cars, and trucks, choked the highways leading to the religious gathering. The sheer volume of devotees traveling for the Maha Kumbh Mela—one of the world’s largest spiritual congregations—led to this massive bottleneck, with cars stranded for kilometers.

Several viral videos on social media showcased endless lines of vehicles stuck on roads, with frustrated pilgrims waiting for hours. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging travelers to remain patient while efforts are underway to ease congestion.

With millions expected to visit the Maha Kumbh Mela in the coming days, officials are on high alert to manage traffic flow and prevent further chaos.