Ahead of the Purnima Snan at Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, severe traffic congestion has been reported at the district’s borders. The unexpectedly high number of visitors has disrupted the traffic system. On Sunday, the situation worsened to the extent that the control room was overwhelmed with calls, reporting extreme congestion at Sangam Railway Station. Live footage displayed on control room screens showed the chaotic traffic situation, leading authorities to take the decision to close Sangam Station until February 14.
Live Footage Showed Alarming Crowd Situation
On Sunday afternoon, live footage from the control room revealed crowded roads in and around Sangam Station. Officials continuously monitored the Mahakumbh situation, showing multiple live screens of Sangam Station and nearby areas. The Nagvasuki route was completely blocked, and even the inner lanes of Daraganj were overflowing with crowds. The road leading from Sangam Station to the old bridge was also jammed.
Following these developments, police and administration coordinated efforts, ultimately deciding to shut down Sangam Railway Station to manage the situation.
Passengers Redirected to Prayagraj Junction and Phaphamau Station
Authorities decided to divert passengers to Prayagraj Junction or Phaphamau Station instead. By 1:30 PM on Sunday, Sangam Station was officially closed, with main gates locked and existing passengers evacuated through a single exit route.
No Train Services at Sangam Station Until February 14 Midnight
Passengers resting inside the station premises were asked to vacate, after which official announcements confirmed the station’s closure. No trains will arrive or depart from Sangam Station until midnight on February 14. Meanwhile, people continued arriving at the station, requiring authorities to redirect them to alternative locations.
North Railway’s Statement on Crowd Management
Senior DCM of Lucknow Division, North Railway, Kuldeep Tiwari, stated that Sangam Station will remain closed until 12:00 AM on February 14 for crowd control. Passengers were advised to plan their journeys accordingly and use alternative stations or routes. The railway administration assured all necessary arrangements for passenger convenience and urged cooperation to avoid inconvenience.
Clarification: Prayagraj Junction is Not Closed
A rumor spread on Sunday that Prayagraj Junction had also been closed. However, this was due to confusion with Sangam Station’s full name, Prayagraj Sangam. Authorities quickly clarified the situation through announcements. Though entry restrictions were imposed at Prayagraj Junction to control the crowd, passengers were allowed inside only under crowd management regulations.
Helpline Number for Passengers
CPRO Shashikant Tripathi urged travelers to use the railway’s toll-free helpline number 18004199139 or dial 139 for any queries. He also advised not to believe in rumors.
City-Wide Traffic Congestion Ahead of Purnima Snan
With Magh Purnima on February 12, an overwhelming number of devotees have reached the Mahakumbh Mela. Authorities have restricted vehicle entry into the city, causing long queues of vehicles outside Prayagraj. Pilgrims are walking several kilometers to reach the Sangam. Except for two-wheelers, all vehicles have been banned from entering the Mela premises.
Since Sunday was a holiday, the traffic situation worsened both inside and outside the city, with vehicles stuck for hours in massive jams.